'Sacrifice', partly filmed in Bulgaria

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. Near Lovech, Bulgaria.

Principal photography for Sacrifice took place across Greece, Bulgaria, and Iceland between November and December 2024, with Solent Film managing the Bulgarian portion of the production. While detailed information about all Bulgarian locations has not yet been released, the inclusion of Prohodna Cave highlights Bulgaria’s natural beauty and cinematic potential.

What's known about the plot

Sacrifice is an ambitious fantasy-drama written by Romain Gavras and Will Arbery.

The story follows Joan, a zealous believer convinced she must prevent an impending apocalypse through an act of faith that tests morality and destiny. Joined by a group of unwilling companions, including a movie star, a billionaire, and a stranger caught in her path. Joan embarks on a journey through surreal landscapes that reflect both inner turmoil and divine revelation.

The film stars Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Evans, Salma Hayek, Vincent Cassel, John Malkovich, Ambika Mod, Brendan Fraser, Yung Lean, and Sam Richardson.

The project is a multinational co-production between Iconoclast, Film4, Mid March Media, and Heretic Films, with additional support from Gucci, Head Gear Films, the Onassis Foundation, and the Athens Festival.

Official production countries include the United Kingdom, Greece, the United States, and Bulgaria, with English as the primary language.

Actor Chris Evans at the TIFF screening in Toronto, Canada, Sept. 6, 2025

Following the completion of filming in late 2024, Sacrifice had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2025, where it was featured in the Special Presentations section. Rocket Science handles international sales, while CAA Media Finance oversees U.S. distribution. Although no Bulgarian theatrical release date has been announced yet, a local premiere is expected as part of the film’s European rollout.

For Bulgaria, the production represents both creative and economic significance, reaffirming the country’s role as a major filming destination for global cinema. The partnership with Solent Film showcases the professionalism of Bulgarian crews and the visual appeal of local landscapes, now immortalized in a film led by some of Hollywood’s most prominent names.

Here is an interview by Variety Studio, conducted at TIFF last month, featuring the cast and the film’s director discussing the making of Sacrifice.

Reading time: 2.7 min

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