STORIES FROM THE BLACK SEA
Part One: Strandzha
Timeline
Pre-Production
November 2024 - January 2025
Given that the protagonists of the documentary will be people from both sides of the Bulgarian-Turkish border, my initial approach will involve conceptualizing the documentary with researchers, scientists, NGOs and activists from both countries who are experts of the region, dedicated to working in these areas.
Through collaboration with them, I will identify the most pressing topics and discover individuals and places whose stories are profound and authentic, representing the richness and challenges of the region.
Production
To maintain authenticity, the documentary avoids conventional interview formats with talking heads. Instead, it captures the daily lives and shared experiences of locals, with recorded voices accompanying visuals, adding depth to the storytelling and allowing viewers to connect more intimately with the subjects. Additionally, breathtaking landscape shots and immersive visuals are incorporated to visually highlight the significance of the sea and nature in the lives of the people in the region.
February 2025 - July 2025
Post-Production
In the post-production phase, the documentary will intricately weave together various themes to provide a comprehensive overview of the region and its challenges through the personal stories of its inhabitants. Captivating short animations will be integrated to add depth and visual interest. In terms of music, the focus will be on composing original pieces infused with local cultural influences, including traditional melodies and recorded sounds.
July 2025 - November 2025
Release and Outreach
The main dissemination strategy will be offline and virtual screenings with accompanying discussions to encourage engagement and dialogue around the issues presented in the film.
Through strategic outreach efforts, including social media campaigns, targeted email newsletters, and collaborations with relevant organizations, the documentary will reach viewers globally.
Additionally, the team will organize offline and virtual screenings with discussions to foster engagement and dialogue around the issues presented in the film. Additionally, media partnerships are sought at national and regional level in Bulgaria and Turkey, as well as at European level.
Local Collaborators
For this project I intend to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders deeply invested in the Black Sea coast's natural and cultural heritage.
Partners include:
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Organizations and experts from Strandzha National Park Management and Green Balkans in Bulgaria and the organization Back to Nature and representatives of relevant municipalities in both countries;
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other documentary filmmakers renowned for their work on nature and culture in Strandzha.
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Historical insights will be provided by esteemed historians such as like Prof. Atanas Orachev and Prof. Diana Gergova.
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Engaging local communities and traditional livelihood practitioners will add depth to the exploration.
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Additionally, modern challenges and initiatives will be addressed through collaborations with NGOs, tourism, and sports organizations. Among them I envision partnerships with Save Strandzha, Green Strandzha, and Akasha Surf School, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the region's complexities and opportunities.
Team
For this project, I will collaborate with the same team that I worked with for another documentary created by me titled "The Bedechka Case", which I successfully completed in 2020. Here, I am detailing the crew members and their respective roles:
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Dimana Shishkova (portfolio)
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Producer, Director, DP, Editor
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Ecologist with skills in qualitative social research
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Stefka Benisheva (portfolio)
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Animation and Edit Consultant
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Visual Artist, Poster Designer
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Ariana Ledezma
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Sound Design and Mix
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Federico Truzzi (portfolio)
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Music and Original Soundtrack Composer
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Tamás Kuti (portfolio)
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Graphic and Web Developer
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Why am I the right person to tell this story?
As a filmmaker and environmentalist with a proven track record in conducting extensive field research and producing impactful documentaries, I am uniquely positioned to tell the story of the Black Sea region.
My experience studying "Culture Change in Pemón Society'' in Venezuela equipped me with valuable skills in interviewing and ethnographic observatons, while making insights into the intricate relationship between culture and nature, emphasizing the importance of traditional practices in environmental stewardship.
Moreover, my full-length documentary "The Bedechka Case'' showcased my ability to engage diverse stakeholders, mediate conflicting interests, and drive meaningful change within communities.
With my interdisciplinary approach, cultural understanding, and local ties in both Burgas and Turkey, I am poised to deliver a compelling narrative that highlights the region's rich history, ecological significance, and cultural diversity, while advocating for sustainable practices and community empowerment.