The Aleph Center for Jewish-Bulgarian Cooperation in Burgas has announced the 14th edition of its international literature and film competition, "Whoever Saves One Human Life Saves the Whole World", the center said. This year's theme is "Fireflies in the Dark – Untold Stories of Humanity". Entries are accepted until 1 February 2027.

The competition is dedicated to the years of the Holocaust and to persecuted Jews. Organisers are looking for true stories of people who risked their lives to help others during the Second World War or in later periods of history. Entrants can also write about lesser-known public figures, politicians, diplomats and ordinary citizens.

Preference will go to works with accurate historical detail that also link to today's military conflicts.

Entrants can submit a short story, a video of up to 5 minutes or an artistic performance. The competition is open to students in grades 8 to 12 from Bulgaria and abroad, and to students at art colleges and universities.

Finalists will come to Burgas in spring for the three-day international festival "Friendship – Meaning and Salvation". There they will take part in creative workshops and meet writers, film directors, journalists and historians.

Winners receive scholarships, prizes and the chance to do specialised internships.

In October, Burgas Municipality received 11 letters of congratulations after the city was chosen to host Eurovision 2027. Most of the authors are partners of the Aleph center and work on its international projects, including this competition.

More than 2,500 young people from 16 countries have taken part since the competition began. It is backed by Burgas Municipality, the National Palace of Children, the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.