AWARDS 2026

BURGAS INTERNATIONAL

FILM FESTIVAL 

BEST FEATURE FILM:

• Cinema Jazireh — directed by Gözde Kural (Turkey, Iran, Bulgaria, Romania)

SPECIAL MENTION – Best Feature Film

• My Semba — directed by Hugo Salvaterra (Angola)

BEST INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM:

• Class — directed by Rumi Kaul (The Netherlands)

SPECIAL MENTION – Best International Short Film

• A Sky So Low — directed by Joachim Michaux (Belgium, France)

BEST BULGARIAN SHORT

• Abduction — directed by Yana Lineva (Bulgaria)

YOUTH JURY AWARD

• Blue Heron — directed by Sophy Romvari (Canada, Hungary)

AUDIENCE AWARD

• Women Out of Order — directed by Alexander Kossev (Bulgaria)

Congratulations to all the winners and our dedicated jury members:

NEW AWARD

The winner of the Bulgarian short film selection will receive a special “film equipment” award.

As the 11th edition of the Burgas International Film Festival approaches, we’d like to share one of the surprises awaiting participants in this year’s competition program. The winner of the Bulgarian short film selection will receive a special “film production equipment” award, provided by our friends and partners at the VOESOLI production house.

Based in Burgas, the studio aims to develop the contemporary film industry by providing high-quality equipment, professional services, and hands-on training. It is also actively working to connect the film communities in Bulgaria and the Czech Republic, creating a platform for international cooperation and innovation. VOESOLI has already participated in a number of film projects, including a feature film, supports local film initiatives, and runs its own educational program—Voesoli Film Lab. The studio was founded by director and VFX artist Kiril Todorov, who has significant experience working for global studios and productions. His films have been selected and awarded at international festivals, and following a series of short film projects, his first feature film is about to premiere soon.

Through the work of VOESOLI Studio, the Bulgarian filmmaker’smission is to support the new generation of filmmakers and to create an environment where ideas are transformed into movies.

We are delighted that the Burgas Film Festival will be part of fulfilling this mission, and we eagerly await finding out who will receive this wonderful opportunity.