Bulgarian film “Beaujolais” by Irena Daskalova with New International Success
The feature film “Beaujolais” by director Irena Daskalova continues its successful festival path and brought another recognition to Bulgarian cinema. After being awarded the “Best Romantic Film” award at the Berlin Indie Shorts Festival on September 24, 2025, just three days later – on September 27 – the production won a statuette for “Best Drama” at the Universal Film Festival in Kansas City, Missouri, USA.
The festival, established in 2007, has been renowned as one of the most significant international events for independent cinema. It brings together directors and audiences from over 130 countries, and this year’s edition includes only 49 officially selected films out of over 3,000 applicants. Among them, “Beaujolais” stood out and deservedly received the award for best drama.
“Beaujolais” is Irena Daskalova’s debut film in feature films. She has been working as a director since 2000 and is the creator of a number of documentaries that have been awarded with awards in Bulgaria and around the world. The film tells the story of Al – a rich bachelor and self-confident playboy, whose life is turned upside down when, out of boredom, he publishes an ad on a dating site. His meeting with Victoria triggers feelings that change his ideas about love and freedom. But when he decides to change his life, Al realizes that fate has already made its choice.
Before this success, the film was presented in the official program of prestigious festivals in Lyon (France), Istanbul (Turkey), Sofia and Varna, and its creation was supported by the Bulgarian Film Center (EA “National Film Center”).