Jar of Time

Best Short Documentary Nevena Semova, Swapnil Arjun Bulgaria, Fiction, 27:25

Ayshe and Djemal lead a humble life, raising cows in the beautiful yet harsh Rhodope Mountains. Their livelihood depends on selling dairy products, but strict regulations are making their daily life increasingly difficult.

As autumn arrives, hard times follow - they are forced to slaughter part of the herd. Ayshe takes the loss hard, but the meat provides sustenance through the long winter. Before winter sets in, the two set off on foot to Birkova - a journey filled with drama, hardship, and hope.

Winter is harsh, but as spring approaches, nature awakens once more. The birth of new calves brings joy and a sense of new beginning - a fleeting, yet priceless moment of happiness.

Watch the trailer

Film block: DOCUMENTARY / ON STRUGGLE AND RESILIENCE

Screening:

Saturday 28-06-2025 / 13:00

Palace of Culture Pernik, Hall 1

Language
Country Bulgaria
Genre Fiction
Cinematographer Swapnil Arjun
Scriptwriter Nevena Semova, Swapnil Arjun
Producer Nevena Semova
Music Hristian Georgiev
Editor Rose-Mary Hinkova
Cast Ayshe and Djemal Dermendzhievi
Year of creation 2025
Duration 27:25

Director Nevena Semova, Swapnil Arjun

Nevena Semova is a Bulgarian filmmaker and founder of Attic Films. Her directorial debut, 1000 is based on theories from her Master’s thesis, “The Power of the Non-Existent Acousmêtre”, premiered at Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival and screened at In the Palace and IDSFFK in India. This was also the first collaboration with Swapnil Arjun as a DOP.

Swapnil Arjun is an Indian cinematographer based in Bulgaria with a Master’s in Cinematography from the Kinoeyes Master’s programme and eight years of experience. A Sir JJ Institute of Applied Arts graduate, he blends fine arts with filmmaking. Nevena and Swapnil met during the KinoEyes Master’s Programme and are now co-directing their debut feature documentary.