Petya Ivanova-Andreeva
Petya Andreeva was born in 1985. Completed a Master's Degree in Film Directing at New Bulgarian University. Writer, producer and director of various short films and documentaries. Also worked as assistant director of international documentary projects . Currently based in Sofia, Bulgaria.
FILMS:
“Bright city” (2024) - short film - screenwriter, director
“Millions of cats” (2023) short film - screenwriter, director
“Trampoline” (2019) - short film - screenwriter, director
“An hour of theatre” (2018) documentary - screenwriter and director
“Room number three” (2017) short film - screenwriter and director
OTHER PROJECTS:
“Stalin’s Cola” (2021) - documentary - researcher and assistant director (Bulgaria)
coproduced by: Agitprop, director: Stephan Tolz
“Die Donau” (2020) - documentary - researcher and assistant director (Bulgaria)
produced by: Filmquadrat.dok, director: Sebastian Lindemann
“Sweetest thing” (2019) - short documentary - researcher and assistant director
produced by: Agitprop, director: Georgi Bogdanov
“Occupation 1968” (The Bulgarian part “Unnecessary hero”) - International documentary
project - assistant director (Bulgaria)
coproduced by: Agitprop, director: Stephan Komandarev
PRIZES:
“Done in 60 seconds” 2016, Bulgarian winner and nominated in best film remake category
Empire Awards, London 2016 with 60 seconds remake of “Schindler’s list”
Your project takes a part in our festival. What is your project about?
It’s a story about a mother and daughter who spend a lovely afternoon together, or so it seems at first glance. But they are in a very unusual place. So when you watch the film, it will reveal what the story is behind their presence in this place.
FILMS:
“Bright city” (2024) - short film - screenwriter, director
“Millions of cats” (2023) short film - screenwriter, director
“Trampoline” (2019) - short film - screenwriter, director
“An hour of theatre” (2018) documentary - screenwriter and director
“Room number three” (2017) short film - screenwriter and director
OTHER PROJECTS:
“Stalin’s Cola” (2021) - documentary - researcher and assistant director (Bulgaria)
coproduced by: Agitprop, director: Stephan Tolz
“Die Donau” (2020) - documentary - researcher and assistant director (Bulgaria)
produced by: Filmquadrat.dok, director: Sebastian Lindemann
“Sweetest thing” (2019) - short documentary - researcher and assistant director
produced by: Agitprop, director: Georgi Bogdanov
“Occupation 1968” (The Bulgarian part “Unnecessary hero”) - International documentary
project - assistant director (Bulgaria)
coproduced by: Agitprop, director: Stephan Komandarev
PRIZES:
“Done in 60 seconds” 2016, Bulgarian winner and nominated in best film remake category
Empire Awards, London 2016 with 60 seconds remake of “Schindler’s list”
Your project takes a part in our festival. What is your project about?
It’s a story about a mother and daughter who spend a lovely afternoon together, or so it seems at first glance. But they are in a very unusual place. So when you watch the film, it will reveal what the story is behind their presence in this place.
What were your requirements for actors to take a part of your film?
No special requirements, just be themselves – especially for my little actress, my daughter, who was one year old during the shooting. She was the one who guided us through the shooting process. It was real fun.
How did you communicate with the cameraman?
It’s our third film together with Branimir Miladinov, and we just need one word to understand each other. We worked on the storyboard together, checked the shooting locations, so we were well-prepared. Most importantly, the one-year-old actress liked him, making the shooting experience truly enjoyable and smooth.
What locations did you choose for your project? And why?
According to the script, I had to find two unusual places for a mother and daughter to play. One of the locations was the interior of a music studio, and the exterior was the yard of the Bulgarian Academy of Science.
Why should distributors buy your film?
The narrative unfolds as a compelling and intricate story. The deliberate use of withholding information until the end adds an element of surprise and engagement for the audience. Despite its initial charm, the storyline carries a depth of drama, revealing layers of complexity beneath its seemingly cute exterior. Additionally, the inclusion of a remarkable one-year-old actress adds a notable dimension to the film.
What expression elements did you use in your project? How would you characterize your work?
In our project, we employed a combination of suspenseful storytelling, visual aesthetics, and nuanced character development. Additionally, careful selection of locations contributes to the overall atmosphere and narrative impact.
A very important element of the film is the book 'Millions of Cats,' a brilliant children's book by Wanda Gág, published in 1928. It’s a lovely story and I wanted to draw attention to this book.
Overall, my work is characterized by a thoughtful blend of narrative techniques, visual elements, and emotional depth.
At what festivals have you had success? Has the film already premiered? If so, where?
The film had its national premiere at the 41st Golden Rose festival, which is the Bulgarian Feature Film festival. Currently, I am in the selection process and eagerly awaiting the results from the festival.
What motivated you to become a filmmaker?
I am drawn to the art of storytelling, particularly in meeting people and unraveling their stories. Whether through the lens of a documentary or a feature film, my passion is bringing attention to the profound and important stories that often go unnoticed. That's the main thing that motivates me to be a filmmaker.
Which movies are your favorites? And why?
Wings of desire (Wim Wenders) - it’s just masterpiece in all levels
Werckmeister Harmonies (Béla Tarr) - This film has one of the best opening scenes for me. And the film in general is brilliant.
Playtime (Jacques Tati) - It’s something very different than standard
storytelling that really impress me
Umberto D (Vittorio De Sica) - I admire Vittorio De Sica's films for the warmth and profound humanity they encapsulate.
Cinema paradiso (Giuseppe Tornatore) - It has a warm and lovely story. The little Toto is a great character.
What topics do you like to deal with in your work?
I am particularly drawn to addressing social issues through my work. In literature, I have a penchant for dystopian narratives, and I consistently seek inspiration from this genre. I am intrigued by authentic social narratives that incorporate elements of the absurd or unusual, often infused with a touch of magic.
What genre do you like to shoot and why?
I have an affinity for capturing dramatic narratives. Additionally, I am deeply drawn to the realm of experimental cinema. In my view, experimental films play a pivotal role in pushing the boundaries of conventional filmmaking. They possess the unique ability to unearth new dimensions in the art of filmmaking, challenging established norms and 'writing the rules' of the cinematic language. This exploration into the unconventional not only fosters creativity but also contributes to the evolution of the medium.
What project would you like to shoot one day, what would it be about?
I would like to make a feature film that explores the life of a farm worker in the UK. During my academic years, I routinely engaged in seasonal work on a strawberry farm every summer for about 4-6 months, accumulating a wealth of stories and experiences related to this subject matter that I believe are well-suited for a good movie script.
What do you do if you're not thinking about a movie? What are your hobbies?
Spending time with my two-year-old daughter is the best.
I love to explore the world together with her.
What projects do you plan to shoot in the future?
I am currently in the final stages of completing my new short fiction film, 'Bright City’, which is in post-production. Additionally, I am actively working on the script for a documentary film and anticipate commencing shooting later this year.
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10337745
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/monotonefilms
Website: www.monotone-films.com