Festival

MAGDALENA RALCHEVA

Dear friends of cinema.

The 12th edition of the Golden Linden  International Film Festival for New European Cinema is about to begin—a real celebration of European culture, which for over a decade has established Stara Zagora as a center for meaningful and high-quality cinema.

This year, the Golden Linden Festival once again offers a diverse and thoughtfully curated selection of 54 films from 19 European countries. Our program unpacks a variety of themes and genres, which resonate with the pulse of modern Europe. The films we present include works by both emerging and promising European directors from the younger generation, and by established and prominent filmmakers—recipients of prestigious international awards and recognitions.

The selection of films you are about to see were is not random—it is our intention that the titles we have to offer would touch, provoke and inspire you, just as European cinema always leaves a lasting imprint with its diversity of social themes and sensitivity.

Admission to screenings will be free throughout the five days of the festival—as it has always been. It is this accessibility—which has become a hallmark of the Golden Linden—that has enabled us over the years to build a loyal, discerning and thoughtful audience, one that values good cinema and looks forward to each new edition of the festival with anticipation and an open heart.

Alongside the film selection, we have also prepared a rich supporting program of special events, turning the festival days into a true cultural experience.

I am especially pleased that this year, once again, the festival welcomes beloved Bulgarian and foreign filmmakers, who will present their films and engage with audiences. These encounters are always among the most cherished moments of the festival, as they carry the living spirit of cinema and foster a genuine emotional connection between artists and audiences. Anyone who has experienced the festival atmosphere knows that this is a space where people meet the art of cinema. As for those who are attending the Golden Linden for the first time—the festival can open doors to new cultural horizons and experiences, which remain a cherished memory for everyone.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Municipality of Stara Zagora and the mayor of the town, Mr. Zhivko Todorov, for their unflagging support to our cultural mission and their contribution to establishing the festival. Thanks is also due to all cultural institutions, embassies, sponsors and adherents, who stand with trust and enthusiasm behind the cause of our cinema forum—to present meaningful and inspiring European cinema.

May Golden Linden once again blossom this year in memorable films, lasting friendships and moving moments.

Magdalena Ralcheva,
Director of the Golden Linden International Film Festival

JIVKO TODOROV

Dear residents of Stara Zagora and guests of our city,
Dear organizers and participants,

The life of our city has seen events that generate messages to the future. There are events that vividly defy ordinariness and make us breathe art, and feel, behind half-closed eyes, uniquely privileged. 

It is a moment I will never forget—at exactly this time last year, Eli Skorcheva stepped as a titanic presence before the hushed audience and in stead of delivering a formal address, recited a poem to human kindness. This is precisely what The Golden Linden represents—a celebration, a festivity, a triumph transcending time and space.

The international film festival not just offers a showcase for high-quality European cinema—it is a spiritual bridge between cultures, languages and destinies. It is here that the dreams of directors, actors and screenwriters engage the sensitivity of our audiences—a community of viewers who watch not only with their eyes, but also with their hearts. Owing to the wholehearted devotion of its organizers, and through the visionary spirit and the restless drive and talent of its founder, film director Magdalena Ralcheva, the Golden Linden Festival has become a symbol—a symbol of culture as a necessity, rather than luxury. It stands for the fact that even in such a teeth-baring time as ours, we crave stories, inspiration, thought and soaring flight. Cinema can change minds, heal wounds, and open doors into unknown worlds. 

Stara Zagora is the proud home and host of this festival. We not just provide the scene—we share one spirit, one sensation and one emotion. Therefore, for the twelfth time I extend my “Welcome home!” to all filmmakers, artists, visitors and spectators. Your presence here is an acknowledgement of the significance of art and its power to unite and bring hope. I believe, that throughout the coming festival days we will experience together a true cinema journey, which will keep our hearts whole and full.

Good luck and a meaningful start to the 12th edition of the Golden Linden 2025 International Film Festival for New European Cinema!

Let the lights go down and the screen light up—now!

Zhivko Todorov,
Mayor of Stara Zagora Municipality

STARA ZAGORA

Stara Zagora is located in the central part of Bulgaria. With its 160,500 inhabitants, the city is among the largest in the country. They call it the City of the linden trees and the straight streets, of poets and artists, city – a phoenix which has risen from the ashes to take the path of its future.

Stara Zagora is a fast growing city, university center, with many science and cultural institutions, with a rich historical past and cultural heritage, with a history of eight millennium. City called by many names, each one bears the mark of a different era and an evidence of its antiquity and importance. In the beginning of the II century Marcus Ulpius Traianus built the ancient Augusta Traiana. Then the names of the city in the Middle Ages were – Beroe, Vereya, Irinopolis, Boruy, during the Ottoman rule – Eski Zagra and Bulgarian Zheleznik in the middle of the XIX century changed later to Stara Zagora. The history of the city and the region can be traced through the rich archives of the Regional Historical Museum, the Museum “Neolithic dwellings” that presents the best preserved dwellings in Europe from the 6<sup>th</sup> millennium BC, the old copper mines found so far in Europe (end of 5<sup>th</sup> millennium BC), the Roman Forum of Augusta Traiana, Memorial Complex “Defenders of Stara Zagora 1877” museum “Geo Milev”, Art Gallery, Museum of religions.

The cultural life of Stara Zagora has long traditions. The first provincial opera house has given the world the voices of Christina Morfova, Anna Tomova-Sintow, Sarah Mineva and presently one of the most famous and diverse opera singers of our time – Vesselina Katsarova. For many decades the performances of Drama and Puppet Theatre are real feasts not only for the local residents but also for tourists. The first provincial radio emission starts in Stara Zagora. The galleries, museums, libraries and theaters are centers of rich and intense cultural life, true spiritual centers, preserving the memory of time.

The great wealth of Stara Zagora are the “green” streets, extensive parks and gardens. H. B. Bishop Methodius Kusev initiated in 1885 the creation of the largest city park – “Ayazmoto Park” and over the years it has become one of the most famous and beautiful emblems of Stara Zagora.

Close to Stara Zagora, at the foot of the mountain of Sredna Gora is the famous resort Stara Zagora mineral baths. Its healing springs were used by the Thracians and Romans, evidence of which are the open baths built by them. Nearby is “The Holy Mother Step” – a natural phenomenon, visited all year round by many tourists and pilgrims.