directed by Tonislav Hristov, documentary, 69 min, eng subtitles
written by Tonislav Hristov
Orthodox Bulgarians, Muslim Turks, Pomacs, Evangelist Gypsies and atheist Communists live together peacefully in Satovcha, a small Bulgarian village of 2,021 people. They have differing religious beliefs and political opinions, yet what unites them is a love of food and a respect for the land that nurtures their families. The history of their village is rich and fraught with the legacy of World War II and decades of bureaucratic Communism. Director Tonislav Hristov documents the lively political arguments that the older men have regularly at the local social club. But ultimately it is the eternal mystery between women and men that Hristov focuses in on, with a delightful and perceptive lense. When some of the women want to increase the number of days that women can use the pensioners’ social club from one day to two, Hristov captures the reactions of both the men and women with a playfully wry sense of humor and a keen understanding of the social structure of this bucolic community. Beautifully shot, the film unfolds like a simple but sumptuous 10-course meal, with observations on food preparation and religious diversity generously laced into the recipes.
Organised in cooperation with the Bulgarian club Gaida