Press

Sveti Vlas, June 30, 2025 – The fourth edition of the summer film festival “Sveti Vlas Film Fest” will welcome some of the most beloved names in Bulgarian cinema from July 2 to July 6, 2025, in the seaside town of Sveti Vlas.

The festival has established itself as one of the most significant cultural events on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast and continues to pursue its mission — to showcase meaningful, contemporary Bulgarian cinema.

The program features a curated selection of films created in recent years, distinguished by awards from prestigious festivals and strong audience interest. The titles have been chosen by a selection committee including film critic Assoc. Prof. Deyan Statulov and producer Toni Dobrinska. Some of the creative teams will be present in person to introduce their films and engage with the audience in a relaxed and vibrant festival atmosphere.

This year’s jury features an entirely new lineup, blending directorial vision with acting talent. The distinguished panel entrusted with the challenging task of evaluating and awarding the best in each category includes directors Lachezar Avramov, Dimitar Kotsev‑Shosho, and Georgi Kostov; Eleonora Ivanova, the breakout star of the film Chalga; and journalist Egor Sharay. Presiding over the jury is Eli Skorcheva, who last year—on the very stage of the Sveti Vlas Film Fest—won Best Actress for her role in Blaga’s Lessons, a film honored with two Crystal Globe awards at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

Beloved actor and director Marian Valev, the visionary behind the Sveti Vlas Film Fest, continues to be the driving force behind the event since its inception, alongside the festival director Daniela Dineva.

The event is organized by Dinevi Group with the support of the Municipality of Burgas, the Municipality of Nesebar, and the Sveti Vlas Mayor’s Office.

“We are proud that the Sveti Vlas Film Fest is being held here for the fourth consecutive year. With each edition, it continues to build upon its vision, not just as a summer film event, but as an inspiring cultural forum that enriches the city’s calendar, supports Bulgarian creators, and fosters meaningful encounters between cinema and its audience,” shares Ivan Nikolov, the mayor of the city.

The festival’s opening night begins at 8:00 PM at the Arena Amphitheater with the film “Wingless” – an emotional story inspired by the real-life journey of Paralympian Mihail Hristov. Directed by Niki Iliev and starring Naum Shopov Jr., the film portrays a powerful narrative of human will and resilience that leaves no one indifferent. “Without Wings” is one of the most talked-about Bulgarian films of 2024, and Naum Shopov was awarded Best Actor at the See Film Festival Paris-Berlin-Washington 2024 for his role. The evening competition program continues with “No Wind” by director Pavel Vesnakov, “The Herd” by Milko Lazarov, and “Gundi: Legend of Love” directed by Dimitar Dimitrov.

Among the selected Bulgarian titles, several standout films are included in the festival’s daytime program: “Triumph” by directors Kristina Grozeva and Petar Valchanov, “Take Me Home” by Martin Genovski, “The Wedding” by Magdalena Ralcheva, “Class of ’90” by Boyko Boyanov, “Don’t Close Your Eyes” by Nikolay Egerman, and “Flesh” by Dimitar Stoyanovich.