The 2026 National Festival of Bulgarian Cinema, which presented the Vasil Gendov Awards, concluded its proceedings at the Ivan Vazov National Theatre on Sunday. The festival showcased a wide range of submissions, comprising 18 feature films, 54 documentaries, 24 short features, and 16 animated films. The Best Feature Film award was awarded to The Herd.
Furthermore, Lust received the jury’s Special Award for feature film. In the acting categories, Zahari Baharov secured the Best Actor Award, and Gergana Pletnyova was recognized with the Best Actress Award. The festival also marked a significant milestone by presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to two individuals: composer Kiril Donchev and screenwriter Hristo Iliev-Charli, acknowledging their substantial contributions to Bulgarian cinema.
In the short feature category, Eraserhead in a Knitted Shopping Bag won Best Short Film, while Chapter 6 earned the jury’s Special Diploma. For documentaries, In Hell with Ivowas was named Best Documentary, and Welcome to Sinagovci received the jury’s Special Award. The Sofia Municipality Award for the film with the most significant social message went to Tonislav Hristov for Truth or Dare.
Nevena Semova was honored with the Best Documentary Debut Award for Jar of Time, and Sofia Sokerova and Sonya Ranova received the Best Animated Debut Award for Under and Over the Bed. Ivan Veselinov was awarded the jury’s Special Award for the animated film Kumir (Idol).
Topics: #bulgarian #national #festival
Congratulations to “The Herd” on taking home the Best Feature award.
What criteria were used to determine “The Herd” as the Best Feature winner?