The 23rd edition of the “Sofia Film Fest on the Coast” will kick off in style with the much-anticipated co-production between Bulgaria and Greece, Triumph, set to open the festival on March 20, 2025.
Held annually at the NHK Cultural Center in Burgas, this year’s event will run from March 20 to 28, with Triumph set for a wide release in cinemas across Bulgaria the following day.
Directed by Kristina Grozeva and Petar Valchanov, Triumph is a black comedy that delves into the absurdities of Bulgaria’s post-communist transition in the early 1990s.
The narrative is built around the mysterious case of a hole in the small village of Tsarichina. A secret working group of high-ranking Bulgarian army officers, led by a clairvoyant, embarks on a clandestine mission to dig up a mysterious artifact they believe will deliver the “final triumph.”
The film’s script, co-written by Decho Taralezhkov, Kristina Grozeva, and Petar Valchanov, explores the strange and often comical absurdities that arose in the wake of communism’s collapse, taking a satirical look at the confusion and instability of the era.
Triumph boasts an impressive cast, headlined by Academy Award nominee Maria Bakalova, who gained international fame for her role in Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, and Margita Gosheva.
The ensemble also features notable Bulgarian actors such as Julian Vergov, Julian Kostov, Stanislav Ganchev, and Ivan Savov, further elevating the film’s credibility and appeal.
The film’s cinematography is handled by Krum Rodriguez, with editing by Yorgos Mavropsaridis, both of whom have worked on previous award-winning projects with Grozeva and Valchanov.
As producers, Grozeva, Valchanov, Konstantina Stavrianu, Irini Vugioukalu, Maria Bakalova, and Julian Kostov bring their collective experience to ensure Triumph makes an impact both locally and internationally.
Triumph is the final chapter in Grozeva and Valchanov’s celebrated trilogy, following their previous successes, Lesson and Glory.
These films, inspired by real-life events, have consistently shed light on the absurdity of Bulgarian society, blending humor with political commentary. Triumph promises to continue in the same vein, offering a biting critique of the period’s chaotic transition.
The film has already been recognized for its excellence, winning five awards at the 42nd Bulgarian Film Festival “Golden Rose” in Varna.
These include Best Film, Best Screenplay, and Best Actress, shared between Margita Gosheva and Maria Bakalova.
It also took home the Audience Award and the Union of Bulgarian Filmmakers Award. Triumph was also Bulgaria’s official submission for the Best International Feature category at the 97th Academy Awards.
At the “Sofia Film Fest on the Coast,” Triumph will compete for one of the two prestigious “Silver Seagull” awards—one determined by the jury, and the other by the audience.
The competition at this year’s festival is fierce, but Triumph stands out as one of the top contenders due to its critical acclaim and high-profile cast.
As the festival opens its doors to international and local cinephiles, Triumph will undoubtedly be a highlight, offering a sharp and timely reflection on the past and the ongoing struggles of Bulgarian society.
With the creative minds of Grozeva and Valchanov at the helm, Triumph is set to leave a lasting mark on both the Bulgarian film industry and international cinema.