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The State Institute for Culture Partners with the Fifth Edition of Sofia DocuMental

27/09/24

The State Institute for Culture to the Minister of Foreign Affairs is once again joining as a key partner of the fifth edition of Sofia DocuMental – the international documentary film festival focusing on human rights, which will take place from September 28 to October 6, 2024, in Sofia.

This year's festival is under the motto "Step Out of the Bubble" and will feature 30 films premiering in Bulgaria, many of which are internationally awarded. In addition to the film screenings, the organizers promise numerous special events and exclusive meetings with directors. The festival will be held at iconic venues such as Sofia Largo, the House of Cinema, the Odeon Cinematheque Cinema, and the newly opened cultural stage at the Central Market Hall. Part of the program will also be available online in partnership with Neterra TV+, reaching audiences across the country.

One of the main initiatives within the festival is the “BDC Discoveries” workshop, which for the fifteenth consecutive year has established itself as an important platform for supporting European and Balkan documentary filmmakers. The workshop aims to develop talented directors and producers by providing high-quality training and opportunities to present their projects to a specialized audience. Seven projects from Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Ukraine, and Italy will be evaluated by an expert jury on October 4 at the Goethe-Institut.

The award for the best project is supported by the State Institute for Culture to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, which has long been a partner of the event, supporting young talents and promoting the development of documentary cinema in Europe. “BDC Discoveries” is organized with the support of Creative Europe "Media Program," Sofia Culture Program, and the National Film Center. The project presentations will take place on October 4 at 10:00 AM at the Goethe-Institut.

Sofia DocuMental continues to establish itself as a leading event for debates on human rights, combining social engagement with artistic impact. With a special focus on women directors and a competitive program, the festival addresses the most pressing societal issues and encourages active dialogue and actions beyond the "bubble" of indifference.

For more information: https://www.documental.bg/