Time for a film festival! The International Sofia Film Fest celebrates its 30th anniversary, and the French Institute in Bulgaria is once again among the loyal friends of the event. What are the French preparing for us this year, and why is this more than just an ordinary partnership?

Arnaud Desplechin and "Deux pianos": A meeting with the master

For the jubilee, the festival relies on a special guest - director Arnaud Desplechin. Have you ever wondered what goes into making a film? Desplechin will present his latest project - "Deux pianos" (Two pianos), which is a product of French-Bulgarian creative collaboration. On March 17, at the Lumiere cinema, he will share this project with the Bulgarian audience, together with our director Kamen Velkovski. The start is at 8:00 PM.

But that's not all. For his contribution to the world of cinema, Desplechin will receive the Special Award of the Sofia Film Fest. This distinction is recognition for his remarkable work, which has left a lasting mark on contemporary cinematography. We will be able to hear more about his work during a master class, which will be held on March 18, at 12:30 PM at the National Academy for Theater and Film Arts (NATFA).

French films in the different sections of the festival

Of course, the French Institute also supports the distribution of more French films and co-productions. The documentary section in the "Slaveykov" hall of the Institute will present "The Future According to Our Ancestors" and "Show Me Your Soul". In addition, viewers will be able to enjoy "The Magic of the Forest", "Orwell: 2+2 = 5" and "In-I in Motion" by Juliette Binoche. Lovers of culinary cinema will be able to enjoy "The Hills of Anger" in the Cinema Gourmet section, and the Fashion Gala will present a special screening of "Brigitte Bardot".

Sofia Meetings: New names and opportunities for dialogue

Part of the festival is the co-production market Sofia Meetings, where this year will be present the director and film historian Nora Philip. She will present her film "Girls of Tomorrow" and will participate in a professional meeting dedicated to her work. In addition, around fifteen French professionals will participate in the event, which underlines the importance of exchange programs between the French and Bulgarian film industry.

Why is this important?

The partnership of the French Institute with the Sofia Film Fest is not just a formality. It is a clear signal of support for French cinema, artistic dialogue and cultural exchange between the two countries. The Bulgarian audience gets the opportunity to discover the latest works and meet their creators. Tickets for screenings in the "Slaveykov" hall can be purchased online through the URBO platform or at the box office of the French Institute.

What else awaits us? What surprises will the French bring us? We'll see…