Do we know enough about Bulgarian historical heroes - those whom we owe the Bulgarian National Revival and the Liberation? What do we know about Saint Sophronius of Vratsa (or Sofroniy Vrachanski), Ivan Vazov, Hristo Botev, Vasil Levski? We know mostly basic things, some of which are either myths or outright untruths. Today we will try to debunk some of the myths, through a meeting with director Iskren Krasimirov, founder of the "Unforgettable Bulgaria" project. With the film she creates, he wants to reach to young people, to make them love Bulgarian history and look for thetruths. It is interesting to mention that Iskren is the grandson of one of the companions of revolutionary Hristo Botev. His grandfather was among the two hundred fighters who were along side Botev in the mountains. Iskren’s grandfather managed to escape to Serbia and then faced trial in Vidin and Rousse. He escaped death thanks to the first public defender in the history of Bulgaria - Ilia Tsanov who managed to convince the court to exile 17 people, initially sentenced to death, to Diyarbakir. This probably explains the interest of Iskren towards the life and work of Hristo Botev. He has shot two documentaries about him. What is it that we do not know about the great poet and revolutionary?

“Academician Peter Dinekov says we all know who Botev is, but we actually know nothing about him. He is right and we know that as we toured over 200 schools, dozens of universities, community centers, cinemas across Bulgaria and abroad. People know very little about Botev- mostly basic facts but they do not even know exactly where he died. People still talk about the Vola and Okolchitsa peaks but the truth is different –the place of death of the revolutionary is below the Kamaratapeak in the Yolkovitsa valley. They do not know who killed Botev and our latest film “Kill Botev” is dedicated to the topic. These words were uttered by someone, whether rebel or Turk. In our film we claim that unfortunately Botev became the victim of a conspiracy against him. He is a great hero as he met bravely the weapons of the enemies and those of the traitors.”

The next project that Iskren was able to complete was a film about Sophronius of Vratsa. It is the first documentary about the saint, without whose help, “Istoriya Slavyanobolgarskaya” by Saint Paisius of Hilendar would probably remain in the dark cell on Mount Athos. The young director has other ideas, too. Next year he plans to shoot a film dedicated to the Apostle of Freedom - Vasil Levski on the occasion of 180 years since his birth. He also hopes to complete a documentary about great Bulgarian writer Ivan Vazov.

“In the film we are to focus on two iconic works of his ‘Diado Yotso Gleda’ and ‘Edna Bulgarka.’ We'll shoot in the village of Chelopech, where ‘Baba Iliytsa’ historical complex is situated and in the village of Ochin Dol where the Diado Yotso complex is. There will be air footage, re-enactments, animation elements and we are to lean on the opinions of historians Andrei Pantev and Plamen Mitev, with whom we work. That is how we are to join these diverse, colourful mosaics together. The role of Ivan Vazov will be played a young actor. We plan to create a comprehensive portrait of the writer that will be accessible for the youngest generation. Reaching out to young people is our main goal,” he says.

Patriotism is not an innate quality but it is something that is taught from early age. That is why there is a great need for projects like "Unforgettable Bulgaria". With their help, our descendants will know who they are and what their history is, as it can make them proud and show them a great number of role models.

English: Alexander Markov