“BG secret. From Orpheus to Vanga” – this is the title of a book by prominent film director Stiliyan Ivanov. Its author calls it a film-book because it is based on films he has made. Stiliyan Ivanov is the author and director of over 40 documentaries, some of which have been screened world-wide.

“The reason I came to write this book is that an old friend of mine – Martin Radoslavov – kept saying to me: I have no time to watch films, tell me what they are about in just a few words. That is not a good testament to the things I have been doing, but it served to motivate me to put pen to paper and describe my meetings with people and ideas. People who, just like me and many of my friends, believe in the immortality of the human soul. And that each one of us comes into this world as a series of rebirths with the sole purpose of perfection, contrary to the conventional idea that we are here to eat, drink and procreate. Martin was very persistent – he insisted that I write this book. My heartfelt thanks to him.”

At the beginning of 1996, Stiliyan Ivanov and renowned Bulgarian actress Nevena Kokanova paid a visit to the fortune-teller Vanga in Petrich, southwestern Bulgaria. As a matter of fact, when he was a little boy she helped cure his stutter. Years later he couldn’t muster up the courage to admit he wanted to make a film about her. The book also describes the wonders worked by Stoyna – again in that part of the country. The church where she used to live attracts people to this day. One more fortune-teller – Vera Kochovska – is also central to the book.

Another name included in the book is that of Petar Dimkov, author of three volumes of “Bulgarian Folk Medicine”. What is the secret of longevity, according to Dimkov? “A clear conscience, a good heart and moderation in everything. Live like brothers, live a decent life. God gave us ten commandments, but Christ reduced them to just one: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Petar Dimkov’s daughter – artist Lilly Dimkova also features in the book.

“BG secret. From Orpheus to Vanga” offers a wealth of information about Thracian civilization, about the mythical Orpheus, opening the door to the mystic world of the dervish; it also offers sound advice on life, health, love and friendship:

“This year we are preparing two films, one of them is about shamanism,” Stiliyan Ivanov says. “We started last December when we went to Canada. There, we met a unique man from a tribe called Ice Crystals. I myself was surprised to find out that he had actually heard the things he was saying in India, Turkey, in Egypt. And he said he had not read books, because the knowledge he passed on was the innate knowledge of his clan, his tribe. And all the time he was talking about the rebirth of the human soul, about the meaning of life. The other film is about Neshka Robeva – a famous Bulgarian athlete, later coach of the rhythmic gymnastics team and choreographer. This year she turns 70. She chose me as director so I could tell the story of her life.”

English version: Milena Daynova