directed by Ivan Vladimirov, Valeri Yordanov, drama/comedy, 110 min, eng subtitles
written by Valeri Yordanov
with Philip Avramov, Valeri Yordanov, Ivan Barnev, Vassil Draganov
In the early summer, six youngsters run away from the biting reality of their lives - disagreement with parents, break-ups, financial problems, failed ambitions. Each of them has a different reason to abandon the city and each heads East in search of an imaginary ‘East of Hell' on the seaside. There, on the pristine beach, out of scraps of hope and disillusionment, they manage to build a dream world of their own in which they sing, swim and are merry and where they can finally be free. At least, for a while... Because deep down, they know there is no escape and sooner or later reality will come back to them as a monstrous party pooper. Will they be able to sneak out again?
"Sneakers", the first feature from directors Ivan Vladimirov and Valeri Yordanov, also written by and starring Yordanov, takes the outline of Alex Garland's "The Beach" and transfers it to Bulgaria. Visually abundant and beautifully shot, it showcases the rites of passage of its characters as well as their firm decision to reject aggression at any costs.
Awards:
Moscow IFF 2011 (Official Competition - Special mention of main competition jury, Russian cinema clubs prize and diploma)
Karlovy Vary IFF 2011 (East of the West Competition)
Nominated to represent Bulgaria at the Oscars 2013