Baklava

The movie was supposed to be a very good, based on reviews, media attention, bans etc. However it fails to be true and is instead very artsy-fartsy. It is full of obvious symbolism that only a 3 year old can't get and nothing more. After the movie you feel as if something more should have happened but didn't. The "shock" scenes (for which it was banned) were not shocking at all (A Serbian film/Oldboy etc are far more shocking in that sense). Yes it is filmed nice with nice colors and that's about it. It seems the author had some kind of idea but got carried away and missed it. If you want to watch if for yourself go ahead, but for your own sake do it at a time you can afford wasting and lower your expectations.

Something terrible happens again on the Balkans. Censorship, political persecution, trials in absentia, film prohibition – all those words known from the near past behind the iron curtain… No – you are not back in the Communist era, you are living in 2009 and yes, Bulgaria is a member of the European Union. But…

On May 13 2009, an international arrest warrant was issued for the Canadian / Bulgarian filmmaker Alexo Petrov – director and co-producer of BAKLAVA – the most wanted Bulgarian movie of all times.

Banned in its country of origin under accusations of containing scenes promoting drug use, pornography and homosexuality, the commotion generated by BAKLAVA led to an investigation of the Bulgarian government, trial and sentence in absentia.

Baklava has been shot with the participation of several children from an orphanage in Bourgas, and it tells the story of two brothers reunited in a hunt for a mysterious buried treasure. Apparently, something else, more disturbing than the pictured orphans' life, scared some Bulgarian politicians. Among the other scenes with documentary character, there is a sequence where bunch of gentlemen in black suits, with ties in different colours, corrupt, undress and "dance" with young girl in Bulgarian national dress. Allusions with the corrupted and arrogant Bulgarian politicians are unavoidable.

In the peak of the scandal Petrov, who lives in Canada since 2004, wrote an open letter to the medias and institutions where he said: "I went back in Bulgaria with good intentions, with open eyes. Although, most of us cannot or just do not want to see the terrifying reality, the real life nightmare there is not a fiction. The film at some point might be entertaining, shocking or even might make people blush, but at least it shows what is really going on in Bulgaria - on the street, in our concrete apartments, at bus stations, on TV, at the overcrowded stadiums during pop folk concerts, at the bars, in the orphanages and children's care homes… What is happening with the Bulgarian KIDS ON OUR STREETS is much more terrifying than what is shown in the movie. The extermination of all moral values makes us go away and search for happiness in temporary and easily gained spaces."

It is well known that Baklava is charitable independent production and all the staff in movie, including actors, musicians, crew participated on a volunteer basis. However, on May 28th the Bulgarian film director Alexo Petrov has been sentenced in absentia to a fine of 3500 leva for "employing seven children aged between 16 and 18 without consent from the Labor Inspection". It was not yet clear whether Petrov would be prosecuted on charges of production and distribution of pornography, promotion of drug use, violence and homosexuality, district prosecutor Chervenyakov was quoted by the news agencies.

Today more than three years after the film shooting, the director Alexo Petrov still lives abroad and can not go visit his parents in Bulgaria. To be continued

"Baklava" became the first ever Bulgarian CULT movie even before its official release in Bulgaria.

I've seen it in Karlovy Vary film festival last year. A true masterpiece, with amazing visual style, unique soundtrack and perfect acting - especially the little fellows. I think that "Baklava" – the first work of the young Canadian / Bulgarian director Alexo Petrov - has more truth, heart and beauty that most movies I've ever seen.

I'm not surprise that "Baklava" gains controversy in its own country – the story shows the extremely difficult life of the "Bulgarian invisible children". But still there you could find the deep hope of the authors – one day all this might be changed…

Don't miss the chance to discover the lovely tale about two brothers whom meet each others for a very first time. Together they start a wonderful trip. Searching for an buried treasures they pass through a journey full of adventures.

I've been waiting for so long to see such a beautiful, sincere and touching road movie!

Be aware - this is not an action movie Hollywood style, neither even a bland Bulgarian copy-paste financed by the state of the ex-communist country. It's a pure independent cinema. It is not politically correct for sure and that's why you can't see it on the big festivals or TV channels. And there it is its charm. No budget, aggressive, controversial and sincere to the bones! It is incredible what a massive work did a bunch a discontented Bulgarian youngsters with no money, but just a talent. You could see why there are still protests on the streets these days in Bulgaria. You could understand why this film was banned and made such a noise across the official medias without a single buck for a PR campaign. Just an amazing piece of rare European cinema full of symbols and metaphors. Way to go!

Great soundtrack with many good songs, otherwise art movie with bad acting sometimes, except the main character and maybe the the kids...