Stefan Komandarev’s “Made in EU”: Triumph at the Golden Rose Grand Prix Awards Ceremony

September 23, 2025

Sofia, Bulgaria – Stefan Komandarev’s compelling drama, “Made in Eu,” has been awarded the Grand Prize for Best Feature Film at the 43rd edition of the Golden Rose Film Festival. The film’s powerful portrayal of contemporary bulgaria, grappling with themes of disillusionment, fear, and the yearning for a more equitable society, resonated deeply with the jury, who also lauded its hopeful undertones.

A Festival Marked by Solidarity and Artistic Expression

Komandarev, accepting the award, emphasized that the recognition belonged to the entire team. He spoke of a collective dedication to fostering positive change within Bulgaria. His remarks acknowledged the current challenges facing the nation, including the recent arrest of Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev, a topic that sparked considerable discussion and support throughout the festival.

Numerous artists, including Martina Apostolova, dimitar Kotsev-Shosho, and Konstantin Bozhanov, voiced their solidarity with Kotsev. Varna Deputy Mayor Snezhana Apostolova, presenting the Municipality of Varna award to “Gundi-the Legend of Love,” also joined the chorus of calls for justice and a more fair Bulgaria. Attendees frequently chanted “Freedom for Blessed!”, demonstrating widespread support.

Key Awards and Recognitions

Peter Todorov, Director of the National Film Center, highlighted the bravery inherent in cinematic storytelling, urging filmmakers to continue pushing boundaries. “Made in EU” also earned the coveted recognition of the youth jury. milko Lazarov‘s “flock” secured the Special Jury Award for a Feature Film, with Lazarov dedicating the honor to the vitality of Bulgarian Cinema and the pursuit of fairness.

Kaloyan Bozhilov received the Penka Kuneva Award for Cinematography for his work on “flock”,and the film also garnered the Critics’ Guild prize from the Union of Bulgarian Film actors (SBFD). Stoyan Doichev was lauded for his nuanced performance in “Eternity Package”, praised for his ability to blend humor with profound sadness. Gergana Pletnyova’s portrayal of a strong, yet understated woman in “Made in eu” earned her the award for Best female Role.

Konstantin Bozhanov was the recipient of both the Directing and Screenplay awards for his film “The Shameless.” He graciously shared the accolades with his leading actresses and composer Peter Dundakov. The Grand Prize for Short Cinema went to Georges Vanev’s “Boyfriend,” while Magdelena Ilieva’s “Eternity Package” claimed the award for Best Debut Feature Film.

New Honors and Emerging Voices

This year’s festival introduced two new awards. Ivaylo Hristov’s “Luboff” received recognition for Artistic Courage. Lily Kos’s “eraserhead in a knit market for market” was honored by the Bulgarian Branch of the European Women’s Audiovisual Network (EWA BG) as the best short film directed by a woman, also winning the SBFD Critics’ Guild award. Dimitar Sardzhev’s “mother and Son Tale” received the SBFD Award, while Emil Alexandrov’s short film claimed the “Film Judgment” prize. The series award was presented to “TE, the waves,” directed by Ned Morfova and Peter Krumov.

Award	Recipient	Film
Grand Prize (Feature)	Stefan Komandarev	Made in EU
Special Jury Award (Feature)	Milko Lazarov	Flock
Best Male Role	Stoyan Doichev	Eternity Package
Best Female Role	Gergana Pletnyova	made in EU
Grand Prize (Short)	Georges Vanev	Boyfriend

Did You Know? The Golden Rose Film Festival is Bulgaria’s oldest and most prestigious film event, playing a vital role in promoting Bulgarian cinema both nationally and internationally.

Pro Tip: Support independent film by seeking out festivals and screenings in your area. It’s a great way to discover emerging filmmakers and diverse cinematic voices.

the enduring power of Bulgarian Cinema

Bulgarian cinema has a rich history,marked by artistic innovation and a willingness to tackle complex social and political issues. From the early works of directors like Hristo Ganev to contemporary filmmakers like Stefan Komandarev, Bulgarian films have consistently challenged audiences and offered unique perspectives on the human condition. The golden Rose Film Festival continues to be a crucial platform for showcasing this vibrant cinematic tradition and fostering its future growth. According to the National Film Center, investment in Bulgarian film production has increased by 15% in the last year, signaling renewed interest and support for the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Golden Rose Film Festival

• What is the Golden Rose Film Festival? The Golden Rose Film Festival is Bulgaria’s most prominent film festival, dedicated to showcasing Bulgarian cinema and international films.
• What types of awards are presented at the Golden Rose Film Festival? Awards are given for feature films, short films, directing, screenplay, acting, cinematography, and debut films.
• What is the importance of the award for Artistic Courage? This new award recognizes films that fearlessly address challenging and controversial topics.
• How does the Golden Rose Film Festival support emerging filmmakers? The festival provides a platform for debut films and offers awards for short films,encouraging new talent.
• Where can I find more information about Bulgarian cinema? The National Film Center of Bulgaria (https://www.nfc.bg/en/) is an excellent resource for information about Bulgarian films and filmmakers.

What are your thoughts on the themes explored in ‘Made in EU’? Do you think film festivals play a vital role in promoting artistic expression and social commentary?

What specific social issues does “made in EU” critique through its narrative?

A landmark Victory for bulgarian Cinema

stefan Komandarev’s poignant and darkly comedic film, “Made in EU,” has secured the Grand Prix at the prestigious Golden Rose Grand Prix, Bulgaria’s premier film awards ceremony. The win,announced on September 22nd,2025,marks a meaningful achievement for Komandarev and Bulgarian cinema,garnering international attention for its sharp social commentary and compelling narrative. This victory solidifies “Made in EU’s” position as a leading contender in the European film landscape.

Decoding the Narrative: “Made in EU” – A Synopsis

“Made in EU” centers around the story of a disillusioned truck driver, played with remarkable nuance by Ivan Burnev, who discovers a hidden compartment in his vehicle containing smuggled goods. Faced with a moral dilemma and mounting financial pressures, he embarks on a journey that exposes the complexities and contradictions of modern-day Europe.

Key themes explored in the film include:

* Economic Disparity: The film vividly portrays the economic struggles faced by individuals in post-communist Europe.

* Smuggling and Corruption: “Made in EU” doesn’t shy away from depicting the realities of cross-border crime and its impact on society.

* Moral Ambiguity: The protagonist’s journey forces audiences to confront challenging questions about right and wrong.

* EU Integration Challenges: The film subtly critiques the challenges and inequalities inherent in the European Union’s integration process.

The Golden Rose Grand Prix: Significance and Impact

The golden Rose Grand Prix is Bulgaria’s most coveted film award, recognizing excellence in cinematic achievement. Winning this award provides:

* Increased Visibility: The Grand Prix significantly boosts the film’s profile, attracting attention from international distributors and film festivals.

* Critical Acclaim: The award serves as a validation of the film’s artistic merit and Komandarev’s directorial vision.

* Financial Opportunities: Increased recognition can lead to greater funding opportunities for future projects.

* National Pride: The win fosters a sense of national pride within the Bulgarian film industry.

Stefan Komandarev: A Director to Watch

Stefan Komandarev is a highly respected figure in Bulgarian cinema, known for his socially conscious and thought-provoking films. His previous works, including “the World is Big and Salvation Salvation is Intricate” and “Directions,” have garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards.

Komandarev’s directorial style is characterized by:

* Realism: His films frequently enough depict the harsh realities of life in Bulgaria and Eastern Europe.

* Dark Humor: He frequently employs dark humor to explore serious themes.

* Strong Character Growth: His characters are complex and relatable, driving the narrative forward.

* Social Commentary: His films consistently offer insightful commentary on social and political issues.

Cast and Crew: Collaborative Excellence

The success of “Made in EU” is a testament to the collaborative efforts of a talented cast and crew. Ivan Burnev’s performance as the protagonist has been widely praised, alongside supporting roles from Maria Stefanova and Hristo Shopov. The film’s cinematography,sound design,and editing all contribute to its overall impact.

Key crew members include:

* Director: Stefan komandarev

* Producer: Kristina Davidova

* Cinematographer: Emil Christov

* Editor: Mariya Dimitrova

Funding and Production: Navigating the European Film Landscape

The production of “Made in EU” benefited from funding from the Bulgarian National Film Center and international co-production partners. As of April 3, 2025, calls for funding were open through the CBE JU and Horizon Europe, the EU’s research and innovation funding program, highlighting the increasing opportunities for European filmmakers. This demonstrates the growing support for autonomous cinema within the European union. The film’s budget reflects the challenges faced by independent filmmakers in securing funding for their projects.

Future Prospects: International Film Festivals and Distribution

Following its triumph at the Golden Rose Grand Prix, “Made in EU” is poised for international success. The film is expected to be submitted to several prestigious film festivals, including:

* Cannes Film Festival

* Venice Film Festival

* Berlin International Film Festival

Securing distribution deals with international distributors will be crucial for reaching a wider audience. the film’s universal themes and compelling narrative make it well-suited for global audiences. The film’s success will undoubtedly inspire other Bulgarian filmmakers and contribute to the growth of the country’s film industry.