Synopsis

Hristo, a teenager from the Bulgarian underclass, wants nothing more than a bit of social normalcy: a decent job, a place to call home and a family. His life in reality, however, is completely different. He lives alone, without any family, the roof over his head is shabby, and his wages as a day labourer are low. Quite often he can’t afford enough to eat. There is worse to come: One day he is laid off from his job and can no longer pay the rent on his shabby place. Out on the streets he is plagued with hunger and cold, living as a homeless person. All on his own, Hristo faces the harsh onset of a bitter winter with a desperate will for survival, and only survival. Even if it means that he must break more and more of his own moral principles. The compelling social drama is a shining creation by the filmmaking duo Grigor Lefterov and Todor Matsanov. Its authenticity made this film a real masterpiece that attracted numerous awards. Filmed in warehouses at night with several of the roles cast with actual homeless or poor people in Sofia, the gritty honesty contributed to the film’s success, as did the brilliant performance of leading actor Dimitar Nikolov.

Guests

Todor Matsanov

Todor Matsanov

Director, producer Hristo

In Vienna: March 23-25