Sofia International Film Festival Opens with Awards and a Tribute to Bulgarian Cinema

The Sofia International Film Festival kicked off Thursday night with the premiere of Zalog (Stake), a historical drama by Svetoslav Ovcharov, and honored acclaimed Bulgarian actor-directors Yosif Sarchadzhiev and Kosta Bikov, CE Report quotes BTA

Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev presented the Sofia Award to Sarchadzhiev, who reflected on his remarkable journey after a stroke left him unable to speak. Despite the challenges, he returned to directing and staged 24 productions while acting in four films. The audience gave him a standing ovation.

Bikov received a special award and paid tribute to director Rangel Valchanov, whom he called one of his "heavenly foster fathers."

Festival director Stefan Kitanov reaffirmed the event’s solidarity with Ukraine and emphasized the importance of unity in a changing world. He highlighted that this year’s edition focuses on Bulgarian cinema, featuring over 170 films from nearly 60 countries, including a record-breaking 50 Bulgarian premieres.