NATFIZ: Record Enrollment, New Branch in Burgas

The Vice-Rector of the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts (NATFA), Prof. Penko Gospodinov, announced the beginning of the new academic year with an emotional speech filled with biblical metaphors. "As Ecclesiastes says, everything has its time – a time to be born, a time to die, a time to plant and a time to harvest what is planted. For us, the past academic year was a time of intensive sowing. Thank God, the seeds proved to be strong, and the soil fertile", he stated before the numerous students, lecturers and honorary guests gathered in the hall. The atmosphere was filled with expectation and excitement, a palpable feeling of the beginning of a new, creative stage.

Record Enrollment at NATFA

Prof. Gospodinov emphasized the significant increase in the number of prospective students, following the change of entrance exams from September to July. He announced a 20% increase in undergraduate specialties and a remarkable 150% in master's programs. "We also introduced paid tuition, which gave 70 prospective students who fell short of the mark the opportunity to follow their dreams", he added. This, according to him, is evidence of the growing interest in the academy and its programs.

New Branch in Burgas and Summer Academy

In addition, Prof. Gospodinov announced the creation of a summer creative academy for children and young people aged 8 to 18, as well as the newly opened NATFA branch in Burgas, realized thanks to the joint efforts of the mayor of Burgas, Dimitar Nikolov, the rector of the academy and many other collaborators. The successful implementation of this project in a short period of several months underlines the efficiency and dedication of the NATFA management.

Messages to Newly Admitted Students

In his address, Prof. Gospodinov delivered strong messages to the newly admitted students. "Be free, be brave. These two things always go hand in hand, like our left and right foot. If you want to get somewhere, you have to step on both. If you think that the hardest thing after the entrance exams is already behind you, I have to disappoint you a little. But you have made the right choice – to give, not to take. This choice comes with many hardships, difficulties, tears, but also with the reward of a fragile sense of purpose. And when you wonder what to do when things get particularly difficult, remember that the answer lies in the magical root of the word difficult", he insisted.

Greetings from High-Ranking Guests

• President Rumen Radev emphasized the role of NATFA in establishing Bulgarian cultural identity and its international prestige. "NATFA shapes individuals whose work contributes to the affirmation of our cultural identity, inspires society and brings prestige to Bulgaria on the world's stages. The academy combines the rich heritage of Bulgarian culture with new horizons and artistic quests", his message said.
• The Chairperson of the National Assembly, Nataliya Kiselova, also offered congratulations, highlighting the high standards of the academy in educational, research and artistic activities. "The credit for this undoubtedly goes to the management and lecturers who, with dedication and undisputed professionalism, train highly qualified specialists", she emphasized.
• The Mayor of Burgas, Dimitar Nikolov, emphasized the important role of NATFA as a source of culture and inspiration.
• The Chairperson of the National Branch Union "Higher Education and Science" of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (KNSB), Prof. Liliana Valcheva, wished the academy successful development with national and international achievements.
• Associate Prof. Ekaterina Kancheva from the Ministry of Culture, in a greeting on behalf of Minister Marian Bachev, delivered an emotional message to the students: "I wish your heart to beat, because this profession is the one without which the heart cannot. Create, produce, be intuitive and love everything that comes and goes in art".

At the end of the ceremony, which lasted nearly two and a half hours, the newly admitted students received their student IDs.