On October 11, 2025, the House of Cinema in Sofia will host the official premiere of the highly anticipated short film God’s Work, directed by emerging filmmaker Maria Ivanova.

Maria Ivanova’s “God’s Work” Premieres at the House of Cinema, Oct. 11

Published: 05.10.2025

Reading time: 1.6 minutes

On October 11, 2025, the House of Cinema in Sofia will host the official premiere of the highly anticipated short film God’s Work, directed by emerging filmmaker Maria Ivanova.

The film is produced with the support of the National Film Center and marks the beginning of Ivanova’s journey in her native Bulgarian cinema following her graduation from VGIK (the world’s oldest film institute).

Offcial screengrabs from 'God's Work'. All Rights Reserved.

Plot:

The life of widower Rusi and his neighbor Milko – a “priest” with the mind of a child – is turned upside down when a Turkish boy and a Bulgarian girl come to them seeking help to protect their love and escape their feuding families.

Cast:
Marin Yanev, Vasil Iliev, Nikola Tonev, Valeri Yordanov, Elina Ivanova, Nikolay Vladimirov, Dimitar Sulev,

and a goat named Maria.

The screenplay is written by Maria Ivanova and Hristo Rayanov. Pavla Kotova serves as dramaturgical consultant, Nenad Boroevich is it's director of photography, Petar Tukhchiev handled the editing, Samuil Kabakov is the sound designer, while Kosta Kolarov composed the original score, and Velichka Djambazova designed the production sets.

The film is produced by Galina Toneva and Kiril Kirilov, with Georgi Nikolov as co-producer.

God’s Work has already attracted the attention of festival audiences, being selected in the Best Short Film competition category at two of Bulgaria’s most prestigious film festivals – the In the Palace International Short Film Festival and the Golden Rose Bulgarian Feature Film Festival. Its participation in these forums positions the film among the most significant new titles in contemporary Bulgarian short cinema.

The premiere at the House of Cinema will be followed by a discussion with the creative team.

Tickets can be purchased on site or online through the House of Cinema’s website here: TICKETS.

Reading time: 1.6 min

Latest news

2026 Academy Awards Oscars Recap: Top Highlights

Published: 17.03.2026

Reading time: 10 minutes

The 98th Academy Awards brought glamour, competition, and a few jaw-dropping surprises. Here’s a closer look at the evening’s most memorable moments. Conan O’Brien Returns to the Stage 2026 Academy Awards Recap: Top Highlights, Surprises and Takeaways – Conan O’Brien and Sterling K.Brown reimagine Casablanca (Oscars) Conan O’Brien returned to host the Oscars, delivering a mix of comedy and heartfelt reflections. Highlights included a playful reenactment of Casablanca with Sterling K. Brown, and a cheeky montage of 2025’s biggest films. While some jokes landed perfectly (like replacing every seat filler with Michael B. Jordans) some believe others fell flat, like references to F1 sequels and Timothée Chalamet’s past remarks. O’Brien also reminded the audience of the Oscars’ global significance: “Every film we salute is the product of thousands of people speaking different languages, working hard to make something of beauty.” It was a moment of sincerity in a night often...

Learn more

Netflix Steps Aside as Paramount Moves on Warner Bros. Discovery

Published: 27.02.2026

Reading time: 2.3 minutes

By TalentNews Editorial Team In a dramatic turn that could reshape the global media landscape, Netflix has officially withdrawn from its pursuit of Warner Bros. Discovery, clearing a path for Paramount Global (through its Skydance-backed bid) to emerge as the leading suitor. The move ends months of aggressive maneuvering among Hollywood’s biggest players and signals a potential new phase of consolidation across the entertainment sector. Financial Discipline Over Scale Netflix confirmed it would not raise its previous $27.75-per-share offer after Warner’s board deemed Paramount’s revised $31-per-share proposal superior. Executives emphasized that matching the higher price was no longer “financially attractive,” underscoring the company’s continued focus on profitability and disciplined growth. Industry analysts note the decision reflects Netflix’s evolving strategy: prioritize margin stability over blockbuster acquisitions. The streamer had sought primarily Warner’s studio and streaming assets rather than the entire company. Paramount’s All-In Bet Paramount’s proposal is notably broader in scope. The...

Learn more

TalentVision Wraps Up Martin Campbell and Gaby Whyte Hart's Landmark Masterclass in Sofia

Published: 21.02.2026

Reading time: 3.9 minutes

Few working directors carry the kind of franchise-defining legacy that Martin Campbell does. From launching GoldenEye and redefining James Bond with Casino Royale to the swashbuckling adventures of The Mask of Zorro and The Legend of Zorro, Campbell’s work has shaped decades of cinema. Martin Campbell during the TalentVision masterclass // Photo: Angel Angelovv / @angelovvph For the first time, he brought that perspective directly to an intensive aimed at actors of all experience levels in Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, at the Grand Hotel Millennium, organised by TalentVision Bulgaria on February 14th,15th, and 17th, 2026. Giving both local and international actors rare insight into how a director of his caliber approaches performance. Alongside him was casting director Gaby Whyte Hart CDA (recently the lead casting director on Warner Bros’ Wind of Change, and the upcoming thriller Just Play Dead directed by Campbell), who helped bridge the gap between audition room and film set....

Learn more

TalentNews Op-Ed: Why Bulgaria Remains a Trusted Hub for Global Film Production

Published: 11.02.2026

Reading time: 2.7 minutes

At a time when the global film industry is grappling with financial pressure, shifting tax incentives, labor disruptions, and production slowdowns, Bulgaria stands out not because it is new to the conversation, but because it has long been part of it. For years, the country has been a dependable base for international productions, and recent activity confirms that its reputation for stability continues to hold. Major studios have repeatedly returned to Bulgaria, including Legendary Entertainment, which has utilized the country for projects such as A Christmas Story Christmas released in 2022, the long awaited reboot of The Toxic Avenger, and the upcoming studio feature Animal Friends. These productions underscore a consistent trust in Bulgaria’s infrastructure, crews, and ability to service high-profile projects without disruption. Recent independent and studio-backed films shot in Bulgaria further reinforce that continuity: In 2024, Sacrifice, directed by Romain Gavras and starring Chris Evans and Anya Taylor-Joy, filmed...

Learn more

Filmed in Bulgaria (soon): WestEnd Films’ “Scorpion” Begins Production

Published: 11.02.2026

Reading time: 2.7 minutes

As Screendaily announced on February 10, Alex Pettyfer and Clive Owen are set to star in Scorpion — a high-stakes action thriller directed by Australian filmmaker Richard Hughes. Global sales are launching at the European Film Market. (screendaily.com) PLOT: Scorpion follows a young police officer on his first mission with an elite tactical unit made up of Afghanistan veterans. During a nighttime raid on a remote farmhouse, the operation turns deadly. Cut off from all communication and trapped inside, the squad is confronted by a sinister voice issuing an ultimatum: every 30 minutes someone will die unless one of them confesses to actions taken during a classified operation in Afghanistan years ago. - Production is due to begin in April in the UK, Bulgaria, and Cyprus. The decision to shoot significant portions in Bulgaria is notable. The project will most likely utilize Nu Boyana Studios, one of Europe’s largest production facilities,...

Learn more

TalentVision Brings Hollywood Firepower to Sofia as Martin Campbell and Gaby Whyte Hart Lead High-Profile Acting Workshop

Published: 10.02.2026

Reading time: 2.7 minutes

This Saturday, Sofia becomes a significant focal point on the international acting map as TalentVision launches a rare, high-level workshop led by director Martin Campbell and casting director Gaby Whyte Hart. Held at the Grand Hotel Millennium, in the heart of the Bulgarian capital, the workshop runs on February 14–15, with an additional session on February 17 added due to exceptional demand. Daniel Craig, Eva Green with director Martin Campbell on the set of 'Casino Royale' Campbell’s presence alone gives the event notable weight. Few filmmakers have shaped modern franchise cinema as decisively. Nearly 20 years ago, Campbell relaunched the James Bond series with Casino Royale, making the now-famous decision to cast Daniel Craig—a move that not only redefined the character but carried the Bond franchise successfully for more than a decade. His résumé also includes GoldenEye, The Mask of Zorro, Vertical Limit, The Foreigner, and Green Lantern, placing him among...

Learn more

Academy Announces Shortlists in 12 Categories for the 98th Oscars®

Published: 17.12.2025

Reading time: 2.1 minutes

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially unveiled the shortlists in 12 award categories for the upcoming 98th Academy Awards®, offering an early glimpse at the films and creative teams still in the running for Oscar recognition. The shortlisted categories include Animated Short Film, Casting, Cinematography, Documentary Feature Film, Documentary Short Film, International Feature Film, Live Action Short Film, Makeup and Hairstyling, Music (Original Score), Music (Original Song), Sound and Visual Effects. In the Animated Short Film category, 15 titles advanced from a competitive pool of 113 qualifying films. Works such as Autokar, I Died in Irpin, Snow Bear and The Shyness of Trees highlight the diversity and emotional range of this year’s animation contenders. Academy members from the Animation and Short Films branches participated in the preliminary voting round, with all branches invited to vote during nominations. The Casting shortlist includes 10 films, among them Frankenstein,...

Learn more

Netflix’s $82.7 Billion Acquisition of Warner Bros.: A New Frontline in the Global Streaming Wars

Published: 06.12.2025

Reading time: 4.5 minutes

In a move that will reshape the entertainment landscape for years to come, Netflix announced yesterday that it has reached an agreement to acquire Warner Bros. including its film and television studios, HBO, and the expansive Warner library, in a transaction valued at $82.7 billion (equity value: $72 billion). The deal is not just another media consolidation. It is a tectonic shift — one that challenges the traditional theatrical model, widens Netflix’s global footprint, and raises profound questions for creators, unions, and international markets, especially Europe. What Exactly Has Netflix Bought? With Warner Bros. under its umbrella, Netflix gains one of the richest collections of intellectual property in entertainment history: The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, DC, The Matrix, Casablanca, The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, and thousands more. In its announcement, Netflix framed the deal as the fusion of its global distribution machine with Warner’s century-strong creative legacy, promising to...

Learn more

NOVEMBER, 2025: Saudi Arabia May Be Closer Than Anyone Else To Buying Warner bros.

Published: 16.11.2025

Reading time: 2.2 minutes

Reports circulating this week that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is “very close” to a final deal to buy Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) — reportedly in the $70-plus billion range — have electrified markets and social media. The claim, and an additional thread that Comcast may be “attached” to any Saudi-led approach, deserve careful parsing. Publicly available reporting shows an active and crowded sale process; it also shows that the PIF story currently sits closer to rumor than confirmed transaction. Saudi Arabia’s sovereign-wealth juggernaut, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is quietly emerging as a dark-horse suitor in the high-stakes Warner Bros. Discovery takeover drama, according to multiple reports. With an estimated asset base nearing $1 trillion, PIF’s financial firepower would give it the capacity to press a bold bid — potentially north of $70 billion — though key pieces of the story remain unconfirmed. Warner Bros. Discovery confirmed last...

Learn more

TalentVision Concludes 2-Day Workshop with Casting Director Gaby Whyte Hart in Sofia

Published: 16.11.2025

Reading time: 1.2 minutes

TalentVision proudly wrapped up a dynamic and inspiring 2-day acting workshop in Sofia, led by renowned casting director Gaby Whyte Hart. Held at the elegant Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia, the workshop brought together 21 enthusiastic participants, each eager to deepen their craft, gain practical on-camera experience, and learn directly from one of the industry’s most respected casting professionals, who's most recent credits include the highly anticipated 'Wind of Change' - biopic based on rock-band Scorpions' story, as well as 'Just Play Dead' starring Samuel Jackson and Eva Green. Over the course of two intensive days, attendees explored essential audition techniques, character development, self-tape mastery, and the realities of working in international productions. Gaby Whyte Hart’s personalized approach, combined with her extensive casting experience, created an energizing environment where participants received hands-on feedback and real-world insights. The workshop concluded with a sense of accomplishment, renewed confidence, and a strong creative bond...

Learn more

Actor Nebli Basani: AI Writes Are Human Writes

Published: 12.10.2025

Reading time: 3.7 minutes

In this first-of-its-kind TalentNews Exclusive, we offer you an original Op-Ed by renowned British actor of Albanian origin, Nebli Basani — a frequent guest of Bulgaria's Capital City, Sofia🇧🇬, where he has worked on the sets of such movies as Shadow Land, Man with No Past, and High Ground, to name a few. AI Writes Are Human Writes? by Nebli Basani As much as I admire the steps being taken to protect human rights with regards to AI, we need to look reality in the eye. The Writers’ Strike ran from May 2023 to September 2023, and now, in October 2025, AI has already leapt forward in ways we barely predicted. Since then, systems like Gemini 2.5 can think, see, hear, and create on demand. Agentic AIs can act, not just answer. Robots now interpret language and manipulate objects in physical space (Helix). AI is designing better AI, optimizing chips, algorithms,...

Learn more

Bulgaria's Official Entry for The 98th Academy Awards

Published: 10.10.2025

Reading time: 1.8 minutes

In a year when cinema continues to wrestle with borders both visible and invisible, Bulgarian filmmaker Milko Lazarov returns with Tarika, a haunting allegory about the forces that divide and unite us. The film, Lazarov's third feature, has been selected as Bulgaria’s official submission for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. It marks both artistic recognition and cultural reflection. Tarika first captured audiences at the BFI London Film Festival, where its meditative rhythm and stark imagery drew critical attention. The film later triumphed at the Kolkata International Film Festival, earning both Best Film and the prestigious FIPRESCI Award. Lazarov, who made waves with his Arctic-set drama Aga (a Bulgarian, German, and French coproduction), approaches his new film with a different kind of boldness. “This time, the story may seem almost too straightforward for me,” he admits, “but it carries a quiet weight, a sense of...

Learn more

Gov. Gavin Newsom. Image courtesy of the Governor's Office.

California Enacts Landmark Laws Protecting Performers From AI Replicas

Published: 09.10.2025

Reading time: 2.1 minutes

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed two landmark bills into law aimed at protecting actors and performers from the unauthorized use of their likeness or voice through artificial intelligence. The new laws – AB 2602 , AB 1836 , and the latest SB53 – address growing concerns in Hollywood about “digital clones” being used without consent, an issue that dominated last year’s SAG-AFTRA strike. Under AB 2602, contracts involving the use of AI-generated replicas must clearly specify if a performer’s likeness or voice will be digitally recreated, and the performer must be represented by a union or attorney. The legislation, introduced by Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San José), extends protections beyond union actors to voice artists and other performers who have traditionally lacked such safeguards. Posthumous Protections for Artists “Union-represented actors may now have a collective bargaining agreement that includes safeguards against AI, but other performers like voice actors for media such...

Learn more

Currently filmed in Bulgaria: 'One Second After'

Published: 06.10.2025

Reading time: 2.7 minutes

Principal photography on 'One Second After' is nearing completion in Bulgaria, marking another major international project choosing our country as its creative and logistical base. The film, produced by MPI Original Films with local production services provided by Solent Film, is a post-apocalyptic thriller based on William R. Forstchen’s best-selling novel of the same name. What's known about the plot As per the film's official IMDb page, the story imagines how a small town in Western North Carolina struggles to survive after an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) wipes out nearly all electricity across North America. Actor Josh Holloway ('LOST', 'MI: Ghost Protocol') // Credit: Thibault License According to Deadline, the film stars Josh Holloway in the lead role, alongside Hannah John-Kamen and Famke Janssen, with Scott Rogers making his feature directing debut. Rogers is a veteran stunt coordinator and second unit director whose credits include Spider-Man 2 and 3, John Wick: Chapter 4, The...

Learn more

What do we know about 'Sacrifice', partly filmed in Bulgaria?

Published: 05.10.2025

Reading time: 2.7 minutes

The upcoming international feature film Sacrifice (2025), directed by French-Greek filmmaker Romain Gavras (Athena, Le Monde est à toi), was partially shot in Bulgaria with production services provided by the Sofia-based company Solent Film. This collaboration marks yet another major production choosing Bulgaria for its diverse locations, skilled crews, and world-class production infrastructure. Anya Taylor-Joy behind the scenes of 'Sacrifice'. Credit: Instagram In late 2024, Hollywood actress Anya Taylor-Joy was spotted several times in Bulgaria while filming Sacrifice. The Golden Globe winner later shared photos from the set and described her experience filming as “pure magic.” The actress posted several images capturing the atmosphere of the shoot, while a photo by a crew member suggests some scenes took place near Bulgaria's iconic Prohodna Cave, known locally as “God’s Eyes,” situated near the village of Karlukovo in the Lovech region. Photo taken by the crew of 'Sacrifice' inside the Prohodna Cave....

Learn more

Bulgarian actress Alexandra Vale amongst the main cast of 'Bulgaria Amore Mio', in theatres Oct. 17

Published: 04.10.2025

Reading time: 2.2 minutes

The latest film by Italian director Antonio Pisu, “BULGARIA AMORE MIO”, will premiere in cinemas across Bulgaria on October 17. The film is a co-production between Italy, Bulgaria, and Romania, inspired by real events experienced by its Italian producers. The main cast features Zachary Baharov (Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning, Slow Horses) and rising Bulgarian star Aleksandra Vale (The War of Letters and L+T). They star alongside Italian actors Lodo Guenzi, Matteo Gatta, Jacopo Costantini, Cesare Bocci, and Samuele Sbrighi. The producers of the film are Maurizio Paganelli and Andrea Riceputi (Stradedelest Produzioni), with Nikolay Urumov (Band of Friends Pictures) as co-producer. Urumov is well known to Bulgarian audiences for his work on “Petya of My Petya” (2021), “Villa Rosa” (2013), and the TV series “House Arrest” and “Kantora Mitrani”. Trailer: The film’s director of photography is Adrian Padurețu. Plot While the Italian military intelligence service SISMI is on the trail of...

Learn more

Academy Award Nominee Maria Bakalova joins the cast of 'Double Blind'

Published: 04.10.2025

Reading time: 1.5 minutes

Oscar-nominated Bulgarian actress Maria Bakalova joins the cast of psychological thriller Double Blind, as reported by Deadline on September 30, 2025. The film, directed by John Hyams (Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning, Alone), is described as an intense exploration of memory, identity, and perception - a story about a scientist who begins to lose track of time and reality after taking part in an experiment that quickly spirals out of control. Bakalova’s participation adds another strong title to her rapidly growing and increasingly diverse filmography. From her breakout role in Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, which earned her nominations for an Oscar, Golden Globe, and BAFTA, to her performances in major studio productions like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and acclaimed independent hits such as Bodies Bodies Bodies and The Honeymoon, Bakalova continues to choose roles that challenge expectations and expand her artistic boundaries. In Double Blind, Bakalova is expected to...

Learn more

"Nope, #NotAnActress!": The Backlash Against AI-Generated Tilly Norwood

Published: 04.10.2025

Reading time: 2.8 minutes

The entertainment industry is witnessing a storm of controversy around ”Tilly Norwood”, the world’s first fully AI-generated “actress.” Unveiled at a Zurich summit, her introduction sparked fierce rebukes from actors, guilds, and critics who view her not as an innovation but as an existential threat to human creativity. From Hollywood’s vantage point, the backlash is clear: many performers and industry insiders see Norwood as an attempt to displace real actors under the guise of novelty. Prominent voices, including Emily Blunt and Whoopi Goldberg, expressed alarm that such synthetic figures may dilute the emotional core of cinema or, worse, siphon work away from living talent. The anger is rooted not merely in competition, but in a deeper fear that the very fabric of artistic authenticity is at stake. At the heart of the dispute lies SAG-AFTRA’s official response. The union declared that “creativity is, and should remain, human-centered”, and that it...

Learn more

Denmark’s Landmark Ai Law Protects the Digital Self

Published: 04.10.2025

Reading time: 2.1 minutes

Denmark has made history by introducing a new copyright law that recognizes personal rights over an individual’s digital likeness. In an era where artificial intelligence can recreate voices, faces, and entire bodies with unsettling accuracy, this legislation arrives at a critical moment for privacy and identity protection. By treating a person’s digital image as a form of intellectual property, Denmark has set a precedent that may reshape how Europe approaches synthetic media and deepfake regulation. The new law grants citizens ownership over their own digital representation. This includes their face, voice, and body in any AI-generated material. If these elements are used without consent, the affected person can demand their removal, seek compensation, or take civil action for infringement. In doing so, Denmark acknowledges that one’s likeness is not only a personal attribute but also a form of creative authorship deserving of protection. The Danish Parliament. PHOTO: Job & Magt...

Learn more

Is The UK Film Boom Under Threat Of Trump Tariffs?

Published: 04.10.2025

Reading time: 2.6 minutes

The UK’s film and high-end television industry is in the midst of a record-breaking run, drawing billions in overseas investment as American studios increasingly shift major productions to the United Kingdom. This fact is generally seen as a positive development for all European filmmakers, whether they are based in the United Kingdom or in the European Union. The geographical proximity of these productions has always significantly increased opportunities for professionals from Bulgaria and its neighboring countries, as such projects are often partially filmed between London, Sofia, Bucharest, or Budapest — the four capitals that have established themselves on the market as the most attractive destinations for global cinema. Yet the sector’s momentum may be undercut if US President Donald Trump follows through on his promise to impose 100% tariffs on foreign-made films. An official tweet by U.S. President Donald J. Trump on Sept. 29, 2025. A New Hollywood in the...

Learn more

Anton Poriazov, Maria-Radena Bozhkova, Joseph Al-Ahmad

Bulgaria-based talent will be starring in Hollywood's first upcoming Russia-Ukraine War/Thriller

Published: 03.10.2025

Reading time: 1.3 minutes

Sofia-based Maria-Radena Bozhkova (Nina Roza, Fracture), Joseph al-Ahmad (Man With No Past, Above The Clouds), and Anton Poriazov (It Goes On All Fours, Shattered Bonds), will be seen in the upcoming Russia-Ukraine War/Thriller Nightingale, directed by William Kaufman (Osiris, The Channel), set to release in 2026. The upcoming film, from producers Andrew and Isaac Lewis (Denton Film), will be considered among the first U.S./Hollywood fictional action films set during the Russia-Ukraine war. Filmed on location in Bulgaria, the production team took advantage of the country's diverse landscapes and architecture to authentically represent the Eastern European setting. Official screengrabs from Nightingale. All Rights Reserved. The cast of Nightingale is a blend of established Hollywood talent and emerging international actors. LaMonica Garrett, known for his roles in "Special Ops: Lioness" and "1883," leads the ensemble, with Andrew Howard (Watchmen, Limitless) and Daniel Bernhardt (John Wick, The Matrix Reloaded) starring as well. Anton Poriazov, Maria-Radena...

Learn more

Is The UK Film Boom Under Threat Of Trump Tariffs? - TalentVision News

TalentNews has launched! Your go-to news source to Bulgaria's role in the Entertainment Industry and more!

Published: 03.10.2025

Reading time: 3.1 minutes

We’re thrilled to announce the official launch of TalentNews! A brand-new dynamic media platform dedicated to shining a spotlight on Bulgaria’s growing influence in the global entertainment industry and the incredible talent that drives it. It's no secret that in recent decades, Bulgaria has become one of Europe’s most dynamic film and television hubs, attracting major international productions and creating opportunities for local professionals to work alongside some of the biggest names in Hollywood and beyond. From large-scale studio shoots to independent co-productions, Bulgaria and the surrounding region are now recognized as essential contributors to the global screen industry. Behind this new publication stands TalentVision, our platform devoted to supporting creative professionals across Bulgaria, providing international opportunities to it's professional talent in both Cast and Crew. The launch of TalentNews marks a natural next step. A place to inform, inspire, and connect. While our main focus will be on Bulgarian talent, productions,...

Learn more