The 2026 National Festival of Bulgarian Cinema concluded with the presentation of the Vasil Gendov Awards by the Union of Bulgarian Filmmakers at the Ivan Vazov National Theatre on Sunday. The event featured a broad spectrum of cinematic works, with 112 films competing across categories, including 18 feature films, 54 documentaries, 24 short features, and 16 animated films. The ceremony marked a historic occasion as the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to two notable figures: composer Kiril Donchev and screenwriter Hristo Iliev-Charli, recognizing their substantial contributions to Bulgarian cinema.
The Best Feature Film award was awarded to The Herd. Additionally, Lust received the jury’s Special Award for feature film. Zahari Baharov secured the Best Actor Award, and Gergana Pletnyova was honored with the Best Actress Award.
In the short feature category, Eraserhead in a Knitted Shopping Bag won Best Short Film, while Chapter 6 received the jury’s Special Diploma. For documentary, In Hell with Ivowas took home the Best Documentary, and Welcome to Sinagovci was recognized with the jury’s Special Award. Tonislav Hristov’s Truth or Dare received the Sofia Municipality Award for a film with the most significant social message.
Nevena Semova was awarded the Best Documentary Debut for Jar of Time. The Best Animated Debut Award went to Sofia Sokerova and Sonya Ranova for Under and Over the Bed, and Ivan Veselinov received the jury’s Special Award for the animation Kumir (Idol).
Topics: #bulgarian #national #festival
