Ralitza Petrova’s New Feature 'Lust' Set for World Premiere at the 76th Berlinale Forum

The international cinematic community is turning its gaze toward the upcoming 76th Berlin International Film Festival, where Bulgarian filmmaker Ralitza Petrova is set to unveil her latest feature-length project. Titled 'Lust' (Похоть), the film has secured a prestigious world premiere within the festival’s 'Forum' section, a platform renowned for highlighting independent voices and formally adventurous storytelling. Scheduled to take place from February 12 to February 22, 2026, the Berlinale continues its tradition of championing bold narratives, providing a global stage for Petrova’s highly anticipated return to the festival circuit.

This cinematic endeavor represents a significant tripartite collaboration between Bulgaria, Denmark, and Sweden. The production was brought to life through the collective efforts of Bulgarian outfits Aporia Filmworks and Screening Emotions, alongside Denmark’s Snowglobe, represented by producer Eva Jakobsen, and Sweden’s Silver Films, led by producer Anna Byvald. With a total production budget of 731,800 euros, the project underwent a rigorous 32-day filming schedule in Sofia during the autumn of 2023. The final cut of the film boasts a concise runtime of 77 minutes, promising a concentrated and impactful viewing experience.

At the heart of the narrative is Liliana, a psychotherapy student portrayed by Snezhana Mihaylova, whose existence is defined by a rigid adherence to clinical precision and emotional self-regulation. Her carefully constructed world of control is abruptly challenged when she is summoned back to her homeland following the death of her father. This return forces her to navigate a labyrinth of unresolved financial obligations and the crushing weight of institutional inertia. Described as a mid-life coming-of-age psychodrama, the film delves into the intersection of personal secrets, haunting fantasies, and the profound disruption caused by paternal absence, which ultimately paves a path toward unexpected liberation.

The aesthetic of 'Lust' is defined by the visual craftsmanship of cinematographer Julian Atanassov, whose work is characterized by austere and largely static compositions that mirror the protagonist's internal state. Joining Mihaylova in the ensemble are actors Nikola Mutafov, Mikhail Milchev, and Alexis Atmadjov. A central and provocative element of the film is its exploration of shibari—the Japanese art of bondage—which is presented not through a lens of erotica, but as a therapeutic practice. This physical unbinding serves as a stark contrast to Liliana’s long-held commitment to celibacy, illustrating the complex relationship between the body and emotional release.

'Lust' marks a stylistic evolution for Petrova, whose 2016 debut 'Godless' (Святые безбожники) earned the Golden Leopard at the Locarno Film Festival and garnered 27 other international accolades. While her previous work was rooted in a gritty social realism, this new feature is positioned as a more nuanced and formally rigorous piece of art. The development of 'Lust' was nurtured through Petrova’s participation in prestigious residencies, including the DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Programme and the Nipkow Programme, where the initial conceptualization of the film began. This background suggests a work that is both intellectually grounded and artistically refined, solidifying Petrova's status as a formidable voice in contemporary European cinema.