International Jury Announced for FFC Bulgaria Prize

The International Film Festival Glasgow (IFFG), in collaboration with First Draft and the Female Film Club, has announced the formation of an international jury for the FFC Bulgaria €50,000 prize. This initiative, launched during the CineLibri International Film Festival in Sofia, Bulgaria, aims to support filmmakers, particularly women and gender-expansive creators, by providing access to professional resources and opportunities in the film industry. The jury will evaluate submissions from February 22 until early May, with the winner to be revealed on May 18 at the Cannes Film Festival.

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The jury comprises notable figures from the film industry, each bringing unique expertise:

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• Sara Putt: Managing Director of Sara Putt Associates and chair of BAFTA since 2014, Putt has a rich background in film production and talent representation. She has also served as a trustee for the Film and TV Charity and was previously deputy chair of Women in Film and Television.

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• Jacqueline Wagenstein: Founder and director of the Cinelibri International Film Festival, Wagenstein has produced numerous short films and documentaries. Her festival is recognized as a prestigious platform for films inspired by literature.

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• Vanessa Hanneman: Founder of the Henneman Agency, Hanneman specializes in talent management and has initiated various film and television projects in the Benelux region.

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• Nina Blagoeva: A key member of Alexandra Films, Blagoeva has been instrumental in distributing Bulgarian films and has worked with major film studios such as 20th Century Fox and Sony Pictures.

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• Morgan Cano Long: A producer with extensive experience in both scripted and unscripted projects, Cano Long focuses on character-driven stories that address cultural and social issues. She is the founder of Spiral Shell, a studio dedicated to supporting diverse voices.

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• Lisa Cole: A writer/director known for her global perspective, Cole's work includes the Oscar-shortlisted short film “Bienvenidos a Los Angeles.” She is also involved in projects that advocate for women's health and safety.

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• Mariana Conde-Grant: A creative producer and director with over 20 years of experience, Conde-Grant has produced content for major clients like Apple and Disney, focusing on identity and belonging in her projects.

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Martin I. Petrov, IFFG festival director and chair, expressed enthusiasm for the jury's composition, highlighting the importance of supporting diverse voices in filmmaking. Krassimira Belev, co-creator of FFC Bulgaria, emphasized that the initiative aims to dismantle barriers for filmmakers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.

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While the initiative has garnered support, some critics argue that access to funding and resources remains a significant challenge for many filmmakers, regardless of gender. They call for broader systemic changes within the industry to ensure equitable opportunities for all creators.

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The jury will begin its deliberations following the submission deadline on February 22, with the winner of the FFC Bulgaria prize set to be announced at the Cannes Film Festival on May 18. This event marks a significant step in promoting emerging talent in the film industry, particularly from Bulgaria and Eastern Europe.

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