Climatopia brings together young artists for more sustainable filmmaking in Bulgaria
Published: 06.10.2026
Reading time: 3.4 minutes
The project "Climatopia Community: Youth-Led Sustainable Filmmaking” has been launched.
Implemented with the financial support of the Erasmus+ programme of the EU, it brings together young artists who wish to make films with a reduced environmental impact. Through a series of youth activities, the project aims to spark a conversation about the green transition of the film industry in Bulgaria - a process already underway in other countries across Europe and the world. The programme includes:
-
Youth training “Creators of Change: Youth Participation, Democracy and a Sustainable Future” in Stara Zagora;
-
Development of a Handbook for Sustainable Filmmaking;
-
Testing the Handbook’s guidelines during the “Youth Eco-Film Lab” in Sofia;
-
"Cinema, Cause, Climate" screening and discussion in Stara Zagora;
-
National Conference "Sustainable Filmmaking: From Youth Practice to Public Policies" in Sofia, bringing together young artists and key decision-makers in the cultural sector to discuss green filmmaking in Bulgaria.
Supported by Erasmus+, the project is implemented by “Art Collective ON THE STREET”, a non-governmental organization based in Stara Zagora that fosters civic engagement through art and work with communities. The project lead is Mircho Hristov, and the coordinator is Iliyana Semerdzhieva.
From an educational escape room to a film project
The Erasmus+ project is just one part of the larger "Climatopia" initiative.
"Climatopia" originates from an educational escape room in Stara Zagora on the topic of climate change. Inspired by her work on it, Iliyana Semerdzhieva - an actress, ecologist, and European Climate Pact Ambassador, has spent several years shaping the "Climatopia" film project. The film in development is directed and co-produced by Kosta Karakashyan (through his production company Studio Karakashyan), established on the international stage as a bold, ambitious young artist who uses his work to address social issues.
The film, which is still in the development phase, tells the story of two young people whose choices raise questions about climate change and the just transition. In alignment with the film's theme, Iliyana decided to create "Climatopia" with minimal environmental impact, prompting her to explore the concept of green filmmaking. This led to the Erasmus+-supported project, through which the team aims to use experiential learning to improve their knowledge and skills on the topic, while also providing value to other young artists, established professionals, and policymakers in the audiovisual sector.
Thus, “Climatopia” gradually evolved into a movement of young people united by art, environmentalism, and civic engagement. Their mission is twofold: not only to create the film “Climatopia” but also to champion a sustainable production process that aims to inspire change in the Bulgarian film industry through a series of parallel activities popularizing sustainable film practices.
Climatopia’s Achievements to Date
In 2025, the film concept won the Social Impact Award Bulgaria with the highest level of public support.
The film in development "Climatopia" also received high acclaim in May this year when it became a finalist in the Film Forge Nu Boyana and Female Film Club contest, the final event of which took place in Cannes during the Cannes Film Festival.
In July 2026, Iliyana became the first Bulgarian participant at the Green Film Lab - part of Torino Film Lab. She was selected for the GFL in Gran Canaria as a sustainability expert, and she is committed to spreading the acquired knowledge among the Climatopia team.
Climatopia Community
Other young artists who are part of the dual-cause movement “Climatopia” include Tsvetelina Veleva, Simeon Parashkevov, Maria-Emilia Ivanova, Aleksandra Stoyanova, Martin Taskov, Finn Evans, Evgeniya Evtimova, Nedko Boyanov, alongside many other like-minded artists and supporting organizations.
If you would like to join the Climatopia community, you can connect with the team on social media, where updates on upcoming events will be posted regularly.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/climatopia.film/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Climatopia-Film/61593426171792/
_1791389223.webp)
_1770744451.webp)
