Documentary films
As part of the “Dr. Emil Iliev” International Jazz Festival in Borovets (August 1–6), the audience will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of jazz through a specially curated selection of documentary films. The screenings will take place in the hall of Hotel Rila and will feature inspiring films dedicated to some of the most iconic figures in Bulgarian and international jazz.
Viewers will encounter the stories of Milcho Leviev, Ibrahima “Ibrama” Hassan, Ibro Lolov, Kottarashky, and other unforgettable artists. The films have been selected by Prof. Bozhidar Manov, who will also moderate the discussions with the filmmakers after the screenings.
August
02
17:00
“Rainy Day” (2013), 80 min.
Director, screenwriter, cinematographer: Andrey Chertov.
Discussion with – Andrey Chertov.
A documentary film about the virtuoso jazz guitarist from Plovdiv, Ognyan Videv. A musician who lives only for music and because of music. “The guitar is the most tender woman, the most jealous woman in this world. Even if I had several lives, I would still devote them all to music.”
August
04
17:00
“Just Jazz” (1983), 23 min.
Director: Milan Ognyanov (a film about Milcho Leviev)
Discussion with the director’s son – Anton Ognyanov, cinematographer.
Two documentary films by director Milan Ognyanov about the most prominent Bulgarian jazz musician Milcho Leviev (pianist and composer): from the formation of his quartet “Jazz Focus 65” and their first concerts at Bulgaria Hall (1965), to his work in the USA and his return to the homeland.
05
Director and screenwriter: Tsvetan Dragnev (Gala Film)
Discussion with producer Galya Toneva, Dimitar Lolev, and Kottarashky.
Few people know the architect Nikola Gruev, but everyone knows the composer and musician Kottarashky. His pseudonym became internationally known when the animated film “Blind Vaysha” (2017), directed by Theo Ushev, was nominated for an Oscar — with Kottarashky as the composer! This documentary offers a glimpse into the invisible transformation of talent from architecture to music.
06
17:00
Director: Henri Koulev
Discussion with Henri Koulev and Svetla Ganeva (cinematographer) – his wife
The self-taught musician Ibryam Khapazov – known to the world as Ivo Papazov-Ibryama – is a genius performer of extraordinary music on the clarinet or saxophone, ranging from folklore to stunning jazz improvisations. But he is also a sage, seeing life itself as a unique dream!