| Cinema of Bulgaria | |
|---|---|
 | |
| No. ofscreens | 226 (2018)[1] |
| • Per capita | 2.1 per 100,000 (2011)[1] |
| Main distributors | Alexandra 36.7% Forum Film 35.9% A Plus Films 9.8%[2] |
| Produced feature films (2011)[3] | |
| Fictional | 9 (60.0%) |
| Documentary | 6 (40.0%) |
| Number of admissions (2011)[5] | |
| Total | 4,722,740 |
| • Per capita | 0.6 (2012)[4] |
| National films | 668,711 (14.2%) |
| Gross box office (2011)[5] | |
| Total | 36.7 millionлв. |
| National films | 4.36 million лв. (11.9%) |
Bulgaria has been producing films since 1915. Bulgarian cinema is known for the pioneering work of directors likeDonyo Donev in the field ofanimation. The filming and screening ofVasil Gendov's filmBulgaran are Gallant (1915) is considered to be the beginning of Bulgarian cinematography. Historically, Bulgarian films have been noted for their realism, social themes and technical innovation.
From 1915 to 1948, when film production was nationalized, 55 films were made, but production slowed down after the beginning ofWorld War II. During the time of theFatherland Front government, films with a historical focus were given bigger funding. The biggest studio at that time was theBoyana Film Studio.
Notable Bulgarian film directors areRangel Vulchanov,Christo Christov, andGeorgi Djulgerov. Other filmmakers of note areKristina Grozeva andPetar Valchanov, who directed theCrystal Globe-winning filmThe Father (2019), andTheodore Ushev whose filmBlind Vaysha (2016) was nominated for anAcademy Award. Bulgarian actors who have accrued critical success and worldwide recognition includeNina Dobrev andMaria Bakalova.
TheGolden Rose Film Festival was first held in 1961 and was the biggest Bulgarian film festival throughout the 20th century. In 1997, theSofia Film Fest was held for the first time. In 2007,Variety included it in its list of the 50 best film festivals.[6]
