STORIES FROM THE BLACK SEA
Part One: Strandzha
Summary
"Stories from Black Sea: Strandzha" sheds light on the perspective of locals on both sides of the Bulgarian-Turkish border. The project documents traditional knowledge of the people inhabiting the Strandzha area in the two countries, while giving voice to their challenges and concerns about the future of the area.
It is a collaborative endeavor between a filmmaker, researchers, and NGOs, aiming to produce a documentary that captures the local narratives. Alongside the documentary, a dedicated website will showcase the raw stories and offer additional contextual information.
Leitmotif
Separation is external, unity thrives within.
Instead of viewing the sea as a mere divider between nations, the project aims to portray it as a metaphorical bridge that connects diverse cultures beyond country borders.
This project aims to bypass political and external forces shaping the region, instead prioritizing a deep connection with the local community.
Aim and goals
-
Capturing Local Narratives and Diversity: The project's immediate focus is on gathering, documenting, and sharing the diverse narratives, cultural traditions, and ecological richness present throughout the region. By directly engaging with residents facing daily challenges, the project aims to authentically capture their experiences and perspectives.
-
Fostering Ecosystem Appreciation and Dialogue: On a broader scale, the project seeks to instill a deep appreciation for the vital Black Sea ecosystem. It endeavors to spark meaningful dialogues, raise awareness about the region's challenges, promote cross-cultural empathy, and advocate for the preservation of this indispensable ecosystem.
-
Promoting Cross-Cultural Understanding: This project aims to explore how the sea has influenced the local culture, serving as a unifying force across communities spanning multiple countries. Moreover, it seeks to illuminate the rich cultural tapestry shaped by the sea and promote a greater appreciation for the interconnectedness of communities in the region and to foster mutual understanding between diverse cultures.
Content
Topics
The project will delve into diverse ecosystems and tackle topics such as historical and cultural heritage, spiritual traditions, livelihoods, modern industries and innovations all while celebrating the region's cultural and ecological richness and biodiversity.
Places
Challenges
The primary focus of the project is the Strandzha area of the Black Sea region, which spans across Bulgaria and Turkey.
Filming will take place in various locations within the Strandzha region, including local communities, natural landscapes, archaeological and cultural heritage sites.
The project will confront pressing challenges such as pollution, overfishing, deforestation, demographic crisis, mass tourism, and climate change, while underscoring the resilience of the Black Sea communities.