New Bulgarian film 'Don't close your eyes' explores the miracles of life, faith and light

The film shows how we can give to the world through cinema, faith, love, attitude and hope, says producer Bogdan Darev.

published on 1/31/25 5:25 PM

Photo: dontcloseyoureyesfilm.com

The new Bulgarian film "Don't Close Your Eyes", which premieres in cinemas across the country on January 31, explores the miracles of life and the ability to follow our path without losing faith.

In a nutshell, the story revolves around a priest, Father Pavel (Paul), whose sister is diagnosed with a terminal illness. In his attempt to help her, he relies entirely on his boundless and deep faith, which is repeatedly put to the test. The story intertwines with the fate of another monk, Peter of Strandja, in 1981. The two stories are told in parallel and eventually merge into one. The screenwriter, novelist Martin Ralchevski, whose novel of the same name inspired the film, says: "The making of this film is a miracle! I've been waiting for it for over a decade".

Director Nikolay Egermann's film is often cited as setting the direction for Orthodox cinema in Bulgaria, but Seattle producer Bogdan Darev is drawn to the human story and love: "I am very happy that people who have seen the film and are not believers are still touched by the story. My goal was to make a film that could be watched by a wide audience, regardless of their beliefs. I personally believe in goodness and in each of us as human beings, so I decided to stand behind this film," he said in an interview with Radio Bulgaria.

"Don't Close Your Eyes begins with a human story - a young man about to turn 18, whose greatest dream is to be loved by his father. This young man is Peter. The artist for this role was Yani Malinov. It is a near miracle that the director of the film found the boy in an Orthodox church in Sofia and immediately recognised him as the embodiment of the character of young Peter.

The other characters are played by some of Bulgaria's most popular artists.

"Miracles happen as long as you believe, pray and live in humility, that is, in truth" - says actor Alexander Kanev, who played the role of Father Paul. Bulgarian Partiarch Daniil congratulated Kanev for his convincing portrayal of the drama of a priest's life. "He said that he was very happy that this film was made, he thanked us and told me that he cried," said Kanev.

"The Patriarch liked the film and blessed further cooperation with the Cultural Department of the Holy Synod - I am very grateful to him," actor Krystjo Lafazanov told Radio Bulgaria after the premiere. "Don't Close Your Eyes is a film about faith, hope and love," Lafazanov said.

Actor Krystjo Lafazanov as Father Stefan. A still from the film.

"This film would help people a lot to have faith in this higher power called God. Very often we forget God and turn to Him in our worst moments and still seem unhappy that He is not paying attention to us. The film is for everyone - believers and non-believers alike. The good thing about it is that it touches hearts".

"Don't Close Your Eyes" will be shown in cinemas in Bulgaria, but like Bogdan Darev's previous film, "Kaval Park", it will also meet Bulgarian communities around the world. The first screenings were in Chicago and Detroit.

"We are planning two or three more screenings in Chicago. We are doing everything possible to get the film seen by the Bulgarian diaspora abroad, and now we are in talks to organise a tour in England," said Bogdan Darev during his guest appearance on "Bulgaria Today". He invited fellow Bulgarians to get in touch with the film crew to organise meetings. But Bulgarians around the world are not the only target audience.

"We want to market it in America - it's a huge market because 30% of Americans who go to the cinema are believers, regardless of religion. It's already been to several festivals and won awards at two of them - best film, best director and best producer. We have finished the English subtitles and I think that this film is not yet known abroad, not only among Bulgarians. For me it's like a calling card for Bulgaria and what we are capable of: as filmmakers - the incredible professionals we have here, what we can film, but also what we are capable of giving to the world in terms of faith, in terms of love, attitude and hope. Because no matter how heavy the themes are in the film, it leaves the viewer with hope and a feeling of being filled with light".

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New Bulgarian film 'Don't close your eyes' explores the miracles of life, faith and light

The film shows how we can give to the world through cinema, faith, love, attitude and hope, says producer Bogdan Darev.

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