THE GOLDEN LINDEN │ International Film Festival for New European Cinema
The Golden Linden Film Festival aims to promote the European cinema in Bulgaria and to show the latest and most interesting films from various European countries. The festival has two programs: competition and additional. The selected films for the competition program are evaluated by an international jury. It is our wish that each year the additional program of the festival features films from various parts of Europe. There is a separate section featuring new Bulgarian movies presented by their creators and actors. The festival is organized with the support of the Municipality of Stara Zagora. Entrance to all festival screenings as well as all accompanying events is free of charge. All are welcome!
SPECIAL GUEST OF THE FESTIVAL 2025
He was distinguished with many accolades, including
- The Sofia Award for his part in the film A Cricket in The Ear (1979).
- Best Male Role Award at the Bulgarian Feature Film Festival (Varna, 1986) for his part in the television series Vasko da Gama of Rupcha Village.
- Best Male Role Accolade at the Czechoslovak Workers’ Film Festival for the film Panteley (Czechoslovakia, 1979).
- The Communist Youth League Central Committee Award (Варна, 1982).
- The title of Distinguished Artist (1987).
- Lifetime State Monetary Award for Outstanding Merit to the Bulgarian State and Nation (2018).
- Honorary Sign of the President of Bulgaria for Exceptional Contribution to Culture and Society (2019).
In 2019, Popandov published his autobiographical book So Have I Lived, offering personal stories and contemplations on his life and career. As he shares in his book: “I believe in rebirth. I have given life, I have built a home, I have planted a tree. So, I have lived.”
Pavel Popandov
Pavel Popandov (b. September 18, 1946 in Sofia) graduated from the Acting class of Prof. Boyan Danovski at the Krastyu Sarafov National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts (NATFA) in 1975. Before committing himself to the stage, he worked as a metalworker and driver, an experience which enriched his artistic expression.
His carreer began with the role of the Cockerel in Attempt to Fly by Yordan Radichkov, staged at the Drama Theatre in Pernik. He went on to participate in more than 60 films, including A Nameless Band, The Thirteenth Fiancée of the Prince, Yesterday, Avalanche, Fifth Floor Manoeuvres, Ladies Lead, and A Dog in a Drawer.
Popandov has worked with some of the most distinguished Bulgarian directors and has become one of the iconic faces of Bulgarian cinema in the late XX century. Co-founder of the cult television show NLO, which blends humor, music, and social satire.
Throughout his long career, Popandov has made his mark not only as a comedic actor, but as a master of dramatic roles as well. In his own words, “Comedy or drama was never a choice I had to make—to me, they always go hand in hand, as in life.”
Popandov is known for his dedication and exacting thoroughness in every role, bringing humanness and emotional depth even to the most trivial plots.
