Heavy Rain, Morning Fog - this is the headline of the international festival DOMA for visual and performance art underway in Sofia from 28 May till 20 June. This is the third edition of the festival. The first one highlighted the art of South Korea, and the second, of Russia. Now Bulgarian viewers have the chance to see works of more than 40 artistes from Nordica, an imaginary land consisting of five countries: Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. More details from Martina Stefanova, the project's producer:
„For the first time we have extended the program to span over such a long period. We have exhibitions, workshops and performances. One highlight this year is a discussion program that includes debates on contemporary art with speakers from the Nordic region. The discussion on 2 June is about independent art spaces. We have invited one of the leading directors of such spaces from Iceland, actors from Bulgaria and from Belgrade. A film program will be on throughout the festival. It features films from the five focal countries: Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.”
Scandinavia Beyond Cliches is a discussion that will give audiences insights into that region of Europe. Also, the Chair in Scandinavian Studies at Sofia University has prepared a three-day forum dedicated to Nobel Prize winner Knut Hamsun.
The playbill of the House of Cinema is quite diverse. Neither of the films has been screened in Bulgaria so far. Screenings of short films will he held elsewhere - i.e. a film about Norwegian expressionist artist Edvard Munch and about Danish painter and architect Marie Krøyer, a big name in Nordica. The fans of graphic and interior design and of photography are welcome to enjoy the achievements of Nordica. One of the guests of the festival is Björk's hairdresser who creates sculptures of hair.
A special program has been made for children for the weekend of 30 and 31 May. The first day is dedicated to Vikings, and the second one - to elves and trolls. It includes games, dances, children's films, tales, an animation art workshop and a unique Icelandic game for kids and adults alike.
June 7 will be the day of culinary art. On the premises of the former refrigerator factory Mraz a Scandinavian brunch will be held. „We will be cooking all day, have free tastings and listen to music”, Martina Stefanova says and adds:
„The festival closes on 20 June that coincides with Midsummer, the festival of the Scandinavian North and a celebration of the summer solstice. During the night a big dummy is put to fire that symbolizes earth's fertility. People dance in a circle, sing songs and eat pancakes. We will be dancing and we will make wreaths to celebrate that occasion.”
Admission is free for all events except for the party on 29 May at the former refrigerator factory Mraz. The famous Norwegian DJ Lindstrøm is expected for the event, a major success of organizers.
English Daniela Konstantinova
Photos: provided by the organizers from DOMA Art Fest
