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The Bedechka Case
"The Bedechka Case" is a self-produced full-length documentary that delves into the controversy surrounding construction in a Bulgarian park, emphasizing the significance of preserving green areas and biodiversity in post-socialist Bulgaria.
The Bedechka Case - International Version
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Watch Full
Movie here
WHAT DO VIEWERS SAY?
Der Film hat mir sehr gut gefallen,
obwohl er mich auch nachdenklich
und traurig gemacht hat…
Прекрасен филм!
Много, много ми хареса!
Браво!
Wirklich politisch interessant und
sehr schöne Bilder von Natur
und Menschen.
Me impresionó por el contenido y la calidad
de la edición. Se ve muy profesional y a la vez explica
muy bien el caso de Bedechka y da buenas ideas
para solucionar el problema.
Въпреки че не съм много навътре в темата определено
задържа вниманието ми и даже се разчувствах в началото.
Личи си че си вложила сърце в този проект!
И че това което правиш ти е страст и го правиш добре! ❤
Толкова много труд и мисъл е вложен в него -
голямо Браво! Изгледахме го на един дъх!
I found it very professional and was a great relief to finally see an ecology-related video without the usual anti-capitalist and leftist simplifications. Truly unique!
Very touching and to the point.
We liked the parallel with Tempelhof
and other locations like Kalu Yala!
Project Genesis
The genesis of the project stemmed from a personal observation in my hometown in Bulgaria. Upon learning about a major construction project planned in a local park, I was struck by the lack of information and the seeming disregard for the park's ecological importance.
A building grows in front of my window / Пред прозореца ни никне блок...
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In the spring of 2016, I became aware of a major construction project planned in a park in my hometown. Living opposite the park, my mother captured daily photos of the construction of a new residential building. This sparked my interest, especially as there seemed to be limited information on the topic in local media. It appeared on paper as a routine development, but I felt a sense of injustice about building in a park.
Inspired by a passion for environmental advocacy and a commitment to raising awareness, I set out to create "The Bedechka Case" documentary.
Methodological Approach
Drawing on my background in university electives, particularly actor analysis, I adopted a methodological approach to the documentary.
For "The Bedechka Case", I conducted interviews with a diverse range of stakeholders deeply intertwined with the controversy surrounding the park. This included representatives from a local NGO dedicated to preserving the park, urban planners and members of the local administration involved in the construction project, owners of private terrains within the park seeking to utilize them for development purposes, ecology organizations advocating for environmental conservation, and civil organizations grappling with similar challenges.
These interviews provided invaluable insights into the multifaceted dimensions of the issue, offering a comprehensive perspective on the complex interplay of interests and concerns surrounding the park's fate.
Interviews with Protagonists
Liuba, Zhivka & Mariana / Люба, Живка и Мариана
01:34
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Parvan Simeonov / Първан Симеонов
01:17
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Owners / Собствениците
01:13
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Zhivko Todorov / Живко Тодоров
01:11
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Inspiring Best Practices
In the pursuit of a dynamic and engaging narrative, I aimed to highlight positive best practices that offer potential solutions to the challenges explored in "The Bedechka Case".
One such example is a citizens' initiative in Berlin, which successfully protected the green area of the former Tempelhof airport in the heart of the German capital through a referendum. This inspiring case demonstrates the power of community engagement and grassroots activism in preserving urban green spaces.
Sunset over the field / Залез над полето
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Life in the Jungle / Живот в джунглата
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Another noteworthy example I aimed to highlight is the development of Kalu Yala. This innovative project serves as an open-air laboratory for students, providing them with the opportunity to learn new skills while actively participating in the creation of an ecologically sustainable town in the forest.
Crowdfunding Campaign
To complete "The Bedechka Case", following the collection of visual data, shootings, and analysis, as well as the development of the script and editing structure, I initiated a crowdfunding campaign in 2019.
The campaign aimed to secure funds for the post-production phase, which involved hiring other inspiring creatives for tasks such as animations, color corrections, original soundtrack composition and music licensing, sound design, and poster creation.
The crowdfunding campaign not only facilitated collaboration with talented professionals and enhanced the documentary's overall quality, but it also garnered support from the audience. By teasing them with snippets and insights into the project, it built anticipation and excitement for the film's release.
The Bedechka Case - Pitch for Crowdfunding
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Outreach Campaign and Petition
THE BEDECHKA CASE - DOCUMENTARY TRAILER 2019 - ENGLISH
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In 2020, "The Bedechka Case" documentary was completed, followed by two premiere screenings in Stara Zagora. The next year, I led an extensive outreach campaign across Bulgaria, including screenings in various cities and online events.
This effort earned me a nomination for the Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation Annual Awards.
Additionally, I initiated a petition advocating for the protection of urban green areas and legislative changes.
Community initiatives in the Park
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The "Bedechka Case" project extended beyond the completion and screening of the movie, representing a long-term dedication and commitment.
In addition to the film, numerous cleaning and maintenance initiatives were organized in the park, engaging citizens to discover its beauty and participate in its upkeep.
Na Zeleno Festival (2023)
The culmination of these initiatives was the organization of a festival in the park in 2023, which garnered significant community participation. The event fostered a sense of environmental awareness and community engagement, offering various activities such as an ecological farmers market, graffiti workshops, children's workshops, movie screenings, and concerts. Additionally, it provided a platform for citizens to come together, celebrate their local park, and actively participate in its maintenance and preservation.
НА ЗЕЛЕНО - Teaser
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"A cultural revolution
with an eco-conscious focus"
-Galin Popov
Cultural event manager
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Watch Short Movie
about the Festival
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