In one of the most inspiring cultural and educational events of the year, 51 schools from across Bulgaria came together to create the first national student film festival, “Student Lens” (Uchenicheski Obektiv). The grand finale of this entirely student-driven initiative took place on June 11 in Sofia, at the Theatre and Information Centre of 51st Secondary School “Elisaveta Bagryana,” where the best young filmmakers were officially awarded. But the true significance of the event goes far beyond competition and prizes—it is a clear statement that Bulgarian students are not only excited about art, but also have the voice, vision, and skill to create it.
The festival brought together over 80 student teams from 23 towns and cities, including Sofia, Plovdiv, Burgas, Varna, Shumen, Dobrich, Kyustendil, Targovishte, and others. Over the course of the school year, students from grades 8 through 12 created short films in three genres—fiction, documentary, and animation. The total number of submitted films reached 81, with topics ranging from personal stories and social commentary to historical themes and creative experiments. Behind the scenes stood not just aspiring young directors, but entire classes working as scriptwriters, cinematographers, editors, and actors—guided and supported by their teachers, who made the process possible.
The jury, composed of established names from the Bulgarian film industry, faced the difficult task of selecting the strongest works. Among the awarded teams were students from the 7th Secondary School “Naiden Gerov,” the Vocational High School of Design “Elisaveta Vazova,” the 2nd Secondary School “Prof. Nikola Marinov,” the Sofia School of Construction and Architecture, and the private school “I Am a Bulgarian.” Individual awards were also given for best screenplay, editing, cinematography, and outstanding teacher support. But as Deputy Minister of Education Dr. Emiliya Lazarova emphasized, the real value of the festival lies in the opportunity it gives students to express their worldview through the language of cinema.
“Student Lens” is much more than a competition—it is a platform that places young people at the heart of the cultural process. In an era of scattered attention and visual dominance, the festival encourages students to become conscious storytellers and active participants, not just passive viewers. The skills they develop—from critical thinking to teamwork and technical proficiency—are applicable far beyond the arts, extending into their future professional lives.
The festival also holds another potential: to grow into a draw for cultural tourism and regional events. Imagine if the best student films were screened at cultural centres, museums, or open-air cinemas across the country. It would create locally rooted yet nationally significant events—and would bring young audiences closer to the public stage of art.
“Student Lens” not only gave students the chance to tell their stories—it opened a new door between the classroom and culture. And that door can no longer be closed.
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Български
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