Actor Pavel Poppandov Plants Linden Tree and Receives Lifetime Achievement at Golden Linden Festival

BTA correspondent Pavlina Dudeva, Kaloyan Kirilov

Pavel Poppandov, Actor, at the Avenue of the Linden Trees, in front of the State Opera House, Stara Zagora, June 1, 2025 (BTA correspondent Pavlina Dudeva)

Stara Zagora, Southern Bulgaria,

01.06.2025 16:34

(BTA)

Actor Pavel Poppandov planted a tree on the Avenue of the Linden Trees in front of the State Opera House in Stara Zagora on Sunday.

Poppandov received a special award for lifetime contribution to cinema at the International Film Festival for New European Cinema Golden Linden 2025, which opened on the same day.

Poppandov said he dedicated the tree to Georgi Georgiev-Getz, wishing it a life of 300 years, and also unveiled his honorary star. During the official festival opening on Sunday evening, he was presented with the special award.

Addressing the audience, Poppandov said he never felt old because of his love for acting and recalled working with some of the most prominent figures in Bulgarian cinema. He expressed gratitude to Bulgarian viewers, adding that their support gives meaning to his profession.

He also mentioned how often he re-watches his favourite film, Matriarchy, reflecting on memories from 48 years ago with a distinguished cast. Poppandov thanked Magdalena Ralcheva for the honour.

The Golden Linden Festival opened with a screening of the historical drama Vermiglio by Italian director Maura Delpero. Screenings of nine films in the competition programme began on Monday. For the first time, the audience will be able to vote for their favourite film, which will receive the Audience Award.

/KT/