Ayshe and Djemal live modestly, herding cows in Bulgaria’s Rhodope mountains. They rely on selling dairy products, but regulations have made their life difficult. Autumn brings hardship as they slaughter some of the cows. Ayshe is devastated, but the meat sustains them through winter. Selling cow hides is now illegal too. As winter nears, they journey on foot to Birkova. Winter is tough, but spring brings renewal and the birth of new calves is a cherished moment.
Bulgarian, 2025, 27 min, Bulgarian with English subtitles
Director: Nevena Semova
Scriptwriter: Nevena Semova and Swapnil Arjun
DOP: Swapnil Arjun
Music: Sangam Panta
Production: Attic Films Ltd.
Director’s Biography:
Nevena Semova is an emerging filmmaker and producer based between her native Bulgaria and Estonia where she received her Master’s in Film Production (Kinoeyes). In 2022, she established her production company Attic Films in Bulgaria. Her debut “1000” premiered at PÖFF Shorts 2023. For her work, she received the Baltic Producers MEDIA award 2022. Nevena is an alumna of New Producer’s Room of the Cannes Film Festival 2023 and Development Angels Programme of Less is More in 2024.