
On November 16, 2024, Eliza Petkova’s SILENT OBSERVERS will celebrate its world premiere at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA). The 37th edition of IDFA will take place from November 14 to 24, 2024.
SILENT OBSERVERS
DE/BG, 96 min, 2024
Director, screenplay, editor: Eliza Petkova
Director of photography: Constanze Schmitt
Production: Red Carpet, Wood Water Films, rbb
As the population declines in a remote, run-down Bulgarian village, a traditional way of life comes to an end: the camera follows the last remaining inhabitants from the perspective of domesticated animals. Did the neighbor punish her violent son and turn him into a donkey? Is the cat possessed by a vampire? The villagers’ superstitions are fascinating and mysterious, and their affection for the animals contrasts with the raw way of treating them. With great attention to detail and passion for her four-legged protagonists, Eliza Petkova concentrates on portraying the animals without attributing thoughts or feelings to them.
Trailer