Philip Roth is an American producer, director, and screenwriter, born on June 10, 1959, in Portland, Oregon. Since 2000, Roth has been based in Bulgaria, where he shot the film Mindstorm. Since then, his companies UFO and BUFO have produced numerous projects, including The Hills Run Red (2009) and The Hills Have Eyes 2 (2007). In 2025, he produced the film The World Will Tremble, directed by Lior Geller, which tells Holocaust stories through the eyes of survivors. In recent years, Roth has been an active supporter of Bulgaria’s cultural scene, participating in initiatives such as the MustArt Festival, which provides a platform for young artists to showcase their work and connect with an international audience.
- When you evaluate a film (or artwork), what elements matter most to you? Story, originality, emotional impact, technical craft?
When I’m checking out a movie, there are a few key things I look for. First up is the story. Is it something I actually find interesting? Are there any cool twists that keep me on my toes? Next, I pay attention to the characters. Are they unique? What sets them apart from other movies? And of course, I love those unexpected plot twists that totally catch me off guard. Honestly, what really makes a movie pop for me is when something happens that I totally didn’t see coming—like a jaw-dropping moment that surprises me completely. As for the technical stuff, nowadays, you can shoot a movie on your iPhone and it looks great, so that part isn’t as important anymore. I always tell directors, “It’s not really about directing—it’s all about the script.” The script is key. I like to say it simply: you could have a mediocre director and so-so actors, but if the script is solid, you’ll at least end up with a decent movie. But if the script is terrible—even with amazing actors and a brilliant director—you’re probably looking at a disaster.
2. If you had to describe the festival’s spirit in just three words, what would they be — and why those?
If you want three words to sum up the vibe of the festival, I’d say irreverence, spontaneity, and freedom.
3. If you could give one piece of advice to young artists hoping to be recognized by a festival jury, what would it be?
Now, if I had to give some advice to young artists—especially since I work in film—I’d keep it focused there. The biggest takeaway I want to share as I said previously it is that it’s all about the script. Everything starts with what is on the page. You can have an awesome director or great actors, but without a great script, nothing else matters. Even if the director and actors aren’t that great, a killer script can still lead to a great movie.
4. What do you personally hope to take away from your experience at MustArt Festival?
What I hope to gain from my time at Mustart is seeing young artists getting the chance to carve their own paths and find their success. It’s all about capturing an audience and getting people to think beyond their usual boundaries.
5. From your perspective, what is the significance of MustArt Festival for Bulgaria’s cultural scene?
To me, the most significant thing about the Mustart Festival is gathering a of artists from all sorts of backgrounds, all searching for that one unforgettable moment when their art makes a real impact on others. When it just might make a difference.
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