The Sofia International Film Festival, known as 'Flowing,' is preparing to present a comprehensive cinematic program from August 29 to October 16, 2025. This year's festival will feature a revamped identity and will utilize key city venues including the "Stroezha" Club, Cinema House, and Kino Kabana. The event aims to highlight a diverse array of films, celebrating both artistic innovation and narratives with social relevance.
The official opening of the festival is scheduled for September 11, 2025, at the "Stroezha" Club. The opening ceremony will include a curated selection of five films, followed by a live musical performance. Subsequently, Cinema House will host screenings from September 12 to 14. Among these will be Maria Averina's "Leti s plavnici," a film exploring the life and relationships of artist Alcheq Mishev. Kino Kabana's program will run from September 26 to 28, featuring films connected to London's Soho, the Burgas Theater, and the theme of travel.
Notable films in the lineup include Kamen Petrove's "Maykata na Roza," which delves into profound emotional landscapes, and "Fun Casual Dates," a romantic comedy offering a contemporary perspective on online dating. A significant focus of the festival is dedicated to promoting Bulgarian cinema, with specific screenings designed to showcase the nation's filmmaking talent.
The festival will conclude with a closing ceremony on October 16, 2025, also held at the "Stroezha" Club. This event will mark the culmination of the festival, recognizing acclaimed films and their creators. Tickets for all screenings are available for purchase through ePay Go. The festival's execution is made possible through the support of the National "Culture" Fund, the National Film Center, and the Municipality of Sofia.
This year's Sofia International Film Festival is part of a larger national cinematic initiative, with related events scheduled in Plovdiv (March 21 – April 6), Varna (March 21 – March 29), and Burgas (March 20 – March 28) as part of the 29th Sofia Film Fest. The festival is organized by Art Fest, under the patronage of the Sofia Municipality, and receives support from the Ministry of Culture and the Creative Europe MEDIA program of the European Union. The overarching theme for the 29th Sofia Film Festival is 'Time for Cinema,' reflecting a collective anticipation for engaging with compelling stories on the big screen. The festival also includes the 22nd edition of the industry event Sofia Meetings, scheduled from March 19 to 23, 2025, aimed at fostering connections and collaborations within the film industry.