site.btaNine European Films to Compete at 12th Golden Linden Festival in Stara Zagora

As per tradition, some of the finest examples of contemporary European cinema will be part of the competition programme at the 12th edition of the Golden Linden International Film Festival for New European Cinema, which will take place in Stara Zagora from May 31 to June 4, the municipality announced on Thursday.

The films will be evaluated by a five-member international jury composed of directors, critics, actors, screenwriters, and film professionals. Since last year, festivalgoers have also had a say by awarding their own Audience Award. The competition titles vie for the Golden Linden statuette in the categories of “Best Actor,” “Best Actress,” “Best Director,” and the most prestigious prize — “Best Film.” The Union of Bulgarian Filmmakers also presents a special award.

This year, nine films are included in the festival’s main competition, representing Hungary, Austria, Italy, France, Finland, Estonia, Poland, Denmark, and Bulgaria, which will participate with two titles.

The two Bulgarian films competing for the Golden Linden awards are Before I Forget (2024) by Stanislav Donchev and Wedlock (2024) by Magdalena Ralcheva, based on the short story by Nikolai Haitov.

Before I Forget explores the experiences of people suffering from memory loss. “With subtlety, intelligence, and emotional depth, the film portrays the psychological journey these individuals undergo, emphasizing that such challenges can only be overcome through love — the love of family, community, and mutual understanding,” Ralcheva said.

Speaking about Wedlock, Ralcheva noted that the film premiered just over six months ago and has already achieved international acclaim. “Together with the selection committee, we decided to include Wedlock in the competition programme as a fair and deserved recognition for a Bulgarian film that has garnered significant attention and awards both nationally and internationally. Moreover, it has resonated with audiences and received overwhelmingly positive feedback,” she added.

Among the highlights is the Austrian film Sleeping with a Tiger (2024) by director Anja Salomonowitz, which will have its Bulgarian premiere during the festival. The film tells the story of renowned Austrian painter Maria Lassnig and her struggle to find a personal artistic voice in the male-dominated world of art, expressing her inner pain on canvas. Festival director Magdalena Ralcheva pointed out that a unique artistic approach was used in portraying Lassnig as the same actress plays her at age 6, 14, 64, and 94, without the use of makeup or physical transformations, presenting an eternal, unchanged figure as a reflection of the artist’s inner state.

The Polish comedic drama It’s Not My Film (2024), directed by Maria Zbaska, presents the story of a modern family trying to save their marriage. The film is a humorous and heartwarming love story that raises the question “Do opposites really attract?”.

The Danish entry Unsinkable (2024) by Christian Andersen recounts a real-life incident involving an “unsinkable” lifeboat designed in 1981 that sank on its very first rescue mission. The film is a biographical tribute to the director’s father, the vessel’s captain who perished in the incident. It seeks justice and truth about the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, which were allegedly concealed by authorities.

France is represented with Don’t Rock the Boat (2023), directed by Teddy Lussi-Modeste, a tale about a high school teacher falsely accused of sexual misconduct with a teenager. The film follows his desperate struggle to prove his innocence to society.

The Italian film Ten Minutes (2024) by Maria Sole Tognazzi delves into the existential dilemmas of a woman striving to improve her relationships with loved ones and build meaningful friendships. “The film reflects on the importance of patience, kindness, and empathy in today’s complicated world,” said Ralcheva.

Hungary's entry But What About Tomi? (2024) by Attila Till tells the story of Shani, a failed puppeteer living in the shadow of his legendary father — a beloved figure in Hungarian theatre and film. Battling alcoholism and personal demons, Shani hits rock bottom before joining a support group, quitting drinking, and discovering a new love. However, sobriety brings its own set of challenges.

On the festival's last day, an official ceremony will take place at which an international jury will award the winning films from the competition programme.