Rajdavica Film Fest 2026 — Анатоли Костов

Rajdavica Film Fest

Festival Dates: Annual Edition (dates announced each year)
Location: Razhdavitsa Village, Kyustendil Region, Bulgaria

About the Festival

Rajdavica Film Fest is an international festival dedicated to independent cinema, bringing together filmmakers and audiences from around the world in the unique atmosphere of the Bulgarian countryside.

Hosted in the picturesque village of Razhdavitsa, the festival celebrates the power of storytelling through documentary, fiction, animation, experimental films, music videos and student productions. It creates a meeting point for cultures, ideas and new cinematic voices while promoting dialogue through film.

More than an annual event, Rajdavica Film Fest is a year-round cultural platform. Throughout the year, the festival organizes monthly thematic film evenings, presenting selected films from the Official Selection to local audiences and visitors. These screenings extend the life of the selected films and support the visibility of independent filmmakers beyond the festival itself.

Festival Program

The annual festival may include:

– Official Opening Ceremony
– International Film Screenings
– Q&A sessions with filmmakers
– Jury and Audience Awards
– Masterclasses and workshops
– Panel discussions
– Exhibitions
– Live music and cultural performances
– Traditional Bulgarian crafts and local culture
– Culinary experiences and tastings
– Networking opportunities for filmmakers and guests

Rajdavica Film Evenings

The festival’s cultural program continues throughout the year with monthly thematic screenings featuring films from the Official Selection.

These events promote independent cinema, encourage cultural exchange and create opportunities for audiences to discover outstanding films from different countries and cultures.

Theme of the 2026 Edition

Flavors and Images

The 2026 edition celebrates the connection between cinema and gastronomy.

Food is much more than nourishment—it is memory, identity, tradition and emotion. Through carefully selected films, audiences will discover stories where cuisine becomes a universal language connecting people and cultures.

The program includes:

– Gastronomy-themed films
– Culinary screenings with local food tastings
– Meetings with filmmakers
– Discussions about food, culture and tradition

Filmmakers from around the world are invited to submit documentaries, fiction films, short films, animations and experimental works inspired by gastronomy, culinary traditions and the cultural significance of food.

Our Mission

Rajdavica Film Fest aims to:

– support independent filmmakers from around the world;
– promote cultural dialogue through cinema;
– bring international films to rural communities;
– encourage education through film and discussion;
– preserve and promote local culture and traditions;
– build a sustainable year-round community around independent cinema.

Rajdavica Film Fest is not simply a film festival—it is a place where cinema, culture, tradition and people come together throughout the entire year.

“Golden Cherry” for Best Film.

Rules & Terms

1. Eligibility

– Films must align with the festival’s focus on independent cinema. Special consideration may be given to films related to culture, environment, human stories, and abandoned places, but submissions from all themes are welcome.
– All genres are accepted, including fiction, documentary, animation, experimental, music video, and student films.
– Films must have been completed after January 1, 2024.
– Submissions are open to filmmakers worldwide.
– Films in languages other than English must include English subtitles.

2. Submission Guidelines

– All films must be submitted exclusively through FilmFreeway.
– Each submission must include:
– a completed submission form;
– an online screener;
– the applicable submission fee.
– Multiple submissions are permitted, but each film requires a separate submission and entry fee.
– Submission fees are non-refundable.

3. Selection Process

– All submissions will be reviewed by the festival selection committee.
– Selected filmmakers will be notified via FilmFreeway and/or email.
– The decisions of the selection committee are final.

4. Screening Formats

Accepted screening formats include:

– Digital files (MOV, MP4 or other high-quality digital formats)

Selected filmmakers will receive technical delivery instructions before the festival.

5. Awards

Awards may be presented in the following categories:

– Best Documentary
– Best Feature Film
– Best Short Film
– Best Animation
– Best Student Film
– Audience Award
– Special Jury Award

Additional awards may be introduced at the discretion of the festival.

6. Filmmaker Attendance

Filmmakers are warmly invited to attend the festival. Attendance is not mandatory.

Depending on available funding and sponsorship, the festival may assist selected guests with accommodation and local hospitality.

7. Rights & Year-Round Screenings

By submitting a film, the filmmaker confirms that they own all necessary rights for public exhibition.

The festival may use still images, trailers and excerpts (up to 3 minutes) exclusively for promotional purposes.

If a film is selected for the Official Selection, the filmmaker also grants Rajdavica Film Fest permission to include the film in the festival’s non-commercial thematic screening program throughout the year.

These screenings are part of the cultural and educational activities of Rajdavica Film Fest and are organized to promote independent cinema. They take place outside the official festival dates, usually as monthly thematic film evenings, and no additional screening fee is paid for these events unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Films will never be distributed online or made available for download without the filmmaker’s separate written permission.

8. Code of Conduct

Rajdavica Film Fest is committed to providing a respectful, inclusive and welcoming environment for filmmakers, guests, partners and audiences.

Discrimination, harassment or inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated.

9. Liability

While every reasonable precaution will be taken, the festival is not responsible for loss or damage to submitted materials.

10. Agreement

By submitting a film through FilmFreeway, the filmmaker confirms that they have read, understood and accepted these Rules & Terms.

Rajdavica Film Fest reserves the right to amend these Rules & Terms when necessary.

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ENGLISH SUBTITLES REQUIRED

All films submitted in languages other than English must include English subtitles.

Архив Rajdavica Film Fest 2023

Архив Rajdavica Film Fest 2024