Beyond the Screen: International Guests and Special Events at Sofia DocuMental 2025
Tonight marks the opening of the sixth edition of Sofia DocuMental, the international human rights documentary film festival. Until October 5, audiences will not only be able to watch some of the most daring and timely documentaries, but also take part in special events – meetings with film crews, Q&A sessions, and thematic discussions.
The program offers a rich palette of topics – from the war in Ukraine and political crises in the Middle East, through the personal struggles of artists and activists, to global issues of technology, identity, and freedom.
September 25, 19:30, Largo – Festival Opening
Opening screening of Divia (dir. Dmytro Khreshko) – a sound odyssey through Ukraine’s war-scarred landscapes. A film without words that speaks through images – charred forests, craters, rusting machines. After the screening, the audience will meet the film’s Ukrainian producer, Polina Herman.
September 26, 19:00, Dom na Kinoto – In Hell with Ivo
Kristina Nikolova’s film portrays Bulgarian artist Ivo Dimchev – provocative, bold, and brutally honest, turning personal pain and social taboos into art. After the screening, there will be a meeting and conversation with the team and Ivo Dimchev himself.
September 26, 20:00, Odeon Cinema – In the Belly of AI
The film raises pressing questions about dehumanization, exploitation, and the ideology of “longtermism,” gaining traction in the heart of the tech industry. After the screening, a discussion will follow with Nikola Tuletzki, linguist and data expert, and Ana Lazarova, lawyer specializing in intellectual property and IT law.
September 27, 17:00, Odeon Cinema – Hacking Hate
Investigative documentary thriller by Simon Klose, following undercover journalist My Vingren as she infiltrates far-right networks. The screening will be followed by a discussion with Anna Bodakova.
September 27, 18:00, Dom na Kinoto – Googoosh: Made of Fire
The story of Iran’s greatest pop star, who became a symbol of resistance against oppression. After the screening – thematic music selection at Cush Bar.
September 27, 20:00, Largo – Being Related to John Malkovich
A poetic journey of a father and son exploring their family roots and a possible link to Hollywood legend John Malkovich. After the screening – meeting with director Luka Mavretič.
September 28, 17:00, Odeon Cinema – 9-Month Contract
The story of a single mother from Tbilisi forced into surrogacy to support her daughter. After the screening – meeting with Bulgarian co-producers and the film’s composer.
September 28, 18:00, Dom na Kinoto – Coexistence, My Ass!
Humor and politics intertwine in the story of Israeli activist and comedian Noam Shuster Eliassi. Followed by a discussion with journalist Maria Cheresheva and activists Ruth Perry and Kamal Dogmush. In partnership with Amnesty International Bulgaria.
September 28, 20:00, Largo – Girls & Gods
A film on the encounter between feminism and religion – a provocative dialogue between activists, priests, and imams. After the screening – conversation with co-director Verena Zoltić.
September 29, 18:30, Odeon Cinema – Your Life Without Me
Hungarian director Anna Rubi tells the story of mothers fighting for their disabled children’s future, defying the system. After the screening, Anna Rubi will share more about the film and her resilient protagonists.
September 29, 19:30, Dom na Kinoto – The Bibi Files
A documentary look into the corruption scandals surrounding Benjamin Netanyahu. After the screening – live online discussion with director Alexis Bloom.
September 30, 20:00, Odeon Cinema – In Hell with Ivo (second screening) – followed by a meeting with the film’s cinematographer, Alexander Stanishev.
September 30, 20:00, Synthesis Gallery – I Am Martin Parr
A portrait of one of the most influential photographers of our time. Free admission. Screening followed by a photography talk at Synthesis Gallery.
October 1, 19:00, Odeon Cinema – Tata
An emotional journey of filmmaker Lina Vdoviy towards her estranged father. After the screening – meeting with Lina Vdoviy, both protagonist and director.
October 1, 19:00, Dom na Kinoto – Mr. Nobody Against Putin
The story of a Russian teacher standing up against propaganda in schools. Screening followed by a discussion on militarization in education.
October 2, 18:00, Czech Center – Happiness to All
Followed by a masterclass with director Filip Remunda.
October 2, 18:30, French Institute – Knit's Island
Screening and discussion with director Gillem Kos and producer Boris Garavini, who enter a video game with their avatars to document its participants.
October 2, 19:00, Dom na Kinoto – My Dear Théо
Personal letters from the front, written by filmmaker and soldier Alisa Kovalenko to her son. After the screening – meeting with Alisa Kovalenko.
October 3, 19:30, Odeon Cinema – North South Man Woman
Unexpected encounters between North Korean women and South Korean men. After the screening – Q&A with co-producers Anna Krastev-Kovach and Uldis Cekulis.
October 3, 19:30, Dom na Kinoto – Strandzha
Pepa Hristova’s film reveals the mystical spirit of the Strandzha region. Shown as part of the awards ceremony, followed by a meeting with the director and cinematographer.
October 4, 18:00, Odeon Cinema – Rule of Stone
A revealing story about architectural politics in Jerusalem. After the screening – discussion (in partnership with Amnesty International Bulgaria) on architecture as a tool of social control.
October 4, 17:00, Dom na Kinoto – Riefenstahl
Screening of the film about the Third Reich’s filmmaker, followed by a conversation with editor Stefan Krumbiegel.
October 5, 17:00, Odeon Cinema – Strandzha
Closing screening and meeting with director Pepa Hristova.
Once again, the festival proves that documentary cinema is not just a genre, but a stance – a form of resistance, a voice of conscience, and a space for dialogue. Through encounters with the filmmakers, audiences can look beyond the screen and become part of the conversations shaping our present..