The Last Concentration Camp Inmates: The Film That Cannot Be Ignored

What will the new documentary film show us?

This March 17, one of the strongest and most risky works in Bulgarian cinema is expected to premiere. This is not just a film — it is the unveiling of several decades-old traumas left by the tragedy of the concentration camp in Persin.

The film reveals something no one has spoken about

The documentary film “The Last Concentration Camp Survivors from Belene” will show how Bulgarian society—especially those with Turkish roots—was forced to live under a trend of violent assimilation. These are people who became victims of Todor Zhivkov’s regime in the 1980s. It won’t be easy, but the film will show everything—from isolation to death.

Who is behind this project?

The film is not a work of one person. It is the result of an expert team who have worked together at NBU and in Bulgarian cinema. The producer is Prof. Lyudmil Hristov—head of the Radio Television Center at NBU. The screenwriter is Hristo Hristov, who has a famous Bulgarian origin. The two have worked together and tried to transfer this historical drama into film format.

What will the film show?

The film will follow the fate of those who survived the concentration camp on the Danube island of Persin. This is part of over 500 Bulgarian citizens who became victims of forced assimilation during the totalitarian regime in the 1980s of the 20th century. The film will show how these people tried to live normally, but were forced to change their names, learn another language, and abandon their culture.

What will the film look like?

The film is a large-scale documentary story. It will use real footage, interviews, and archival materials to show what these people experienced. The film will show how they were forced to live in isolation, how they tried to adapt, but were rejected by society.

Why is this film important?

This film is important because it shows the reality of life under a totalitarian regime. It shows how people were forced to live in fear, abandon their culture, and give up their families. The film is an important reminder of what happened and what will happen if we don’t remember.

Will the film be shown in Burgas?

The film will premiere on March 17, 2026 at NBU. Whether the film will be shown in Burgas—this depends on the broadcasting equipment. If there is broadcasting equipment, then the film will be shown in Burgas.

What is important to remember?

It is important to remember that these people had rights. They had the right to live freely, to study in their native language, to attend cultural events. It is important to remember that these people were forced to live in fear and isolation. It is important to remember that this film will show what happened and why it is important to remember.

Will society change?

The film may change society. It may help people understand what happened and why it is important to remember. The film may help people understand that these people had rights and that they were forced to live in fear and isolation.

Will Bulgarian society change?

The film may change Bulgarian society. It may help people understand what happened and why it is important to remember. The film may help people understand that these people had rights and that they were forced to live in fear and isolation.

Will the situation change?

The film may help people understand what happened. The film may help people understand why it is important to remember. The film may help people understand that these people had rights and that they were forced to live in fear and isolation.

What will you say?

What will you say about this film? What do you think about what happened? What do you think about what will happen in the future?