In a significant stride towards fostering diverse voices in cinema, the International Film Festival Glasgow (IFFG), First Draft, and the Female Film Club (FFC) have officially unveiled the esteemed international jury for the FFC Bulgaria €50,000 prize, a groundbreaking initiative launched in partnership with Film Forge. This landmark announcement, made at a vibrant reception event held at The Social Hub Berlin, marks a pivotal moment for emerging filmmakers, particularly women and gender-expansive creators, seeking to bring their stories to the global stage. The event, co-hosted with Variety and the Female Film Club, drew industry luminaries and enthusiastic supporters, underscoring the growing momentum behind efforts to enhance inclusivity and opportunity within the film sector.
The FFC Bulgaria prize, an ambitious collaboration between IFFG, First Draft Productions, and the broader Female Film Club network, first debuted its vision at an inaugural event in Sofia, Bulgaria, during the prestigious CineLibri International Film Festival. This chapter, dedicated to empowering local and international talent with a connection to Bulgaria, represents a crucial expansion of the Female Film Club’s mission. The club, a global network committed to addressing the historical underrepresentation of women and gender-expansive individuals in film, provides a platform for networking, mentorship, and tangible production support. The €50,000 prize is a testament to this commitment, offering not just financial backing but also invaluable access to resources that can transform promising concepts into cinematic realities.
The competition is meticulously structured to identify and nurture projects with genuine potential. Submissions are open to both short and feature-length films across all genres, demanding a high degree of creative freedom from entrants. A key stipulation, however, is the requirement for a Bulgarian co-producer, a strategic move designed to bolster local industry collaboration and talent development within Bulgaria. Furthermore, successful projects must demonstrate an intent to leverage the state-of-the-art studio space and extensive equipment offered at Nu Boyana Studios’ facilities in Sofia. This partnership with Nu Boyana, one of Eastern Europe’s largest and most technologically advanced film production complexes, provides an unparalleled advantage, offering access to world-class infrastructure that might otherwise be out of reach for independent filmmakers. The final prerequisite for entry is membership in FFC Bulgaria, ensuring that the prize directly benefits the community it aims to serve.
The timeline for the competition is now firmly established, building anticipation towards a grand reveal. The submission window closed on February 22nd, setting the stage for the distinguished jury to commence their deliberations. They have a concentrated period, from the closing date until early May, to meticulously review the projects and select a deserving winner. The culmination of this process will be celebrated on May 18th, when the winner is formally announced at a high-profile event held during the iconic Cannes Film Festival. Announcing the winner at Cannes, the world’s most prestigious film festival, will not only elevate the profile of the winning project but also cast a global spotlight on the FFC Bulgaria initiative and its crucial mission.
The leadership behind FFC Bulgaria and its partners articulated the profound significance of this venture. Martin I. Petrov, festival director and chair of IFFG, expressed his profound enthusiasm, stating, "It is really heartwarming to welcome so many women and gender expansive creators to the IFFG family, through our work with the Female Film Club, and our Bulgarian partners. Film production in Eastern Europe is blooming and the generous support of Film Forge and Boyana show the high level and professionalism all young filmmakers deserve to be greeted with for their first projects." Petrov’s comments highlight the burgeoning cinematic landscape in Eastern Europe, a region increasingly recognized for its talent, diverse locations, and burgeoning production capabilities. The support from Film Forge and Nu Boyana Studios not only provides financial and infrastructural aid but also signals a broader commitment from established industry players to invest in the next generation of filmmakers, ensuring they are equipped with the best possible resources.
Liza Van Der Smissen and Nicole Lieberman, the visionary creators of the Female Film Club, emphasized the caliber of the jury assembled. "We are delighted to bring together a dynamic jury that truly cares about the filmmaking process, each having an expertise in a different area," they shared. "FFC is excited that the work from our members will be seen by these industry leaders." Their statement underscores the deliberate curation of a jury whose collective experience spans the entire filmmaking ecosystem, from creative development to distribution and talent management. This ensures that submitted projects will be evaluated not only for their artistic merit but also for their commercial viability and potential for broader impact.
Krassimira Belev, co-creator of FFC Bulgaria and a producer with First Draft, articulated the core philosophy driving the initiative. "For many filmmakers – especially women and non-binary creators working outside major markets – the biggest barrier is not talent but access to professional resources," Belev explained. "Through Female Film Club Bulgaria, our aim is to support diverse voices and make the industry feel possible, not distant. We’re deeply grateful to Film Forge for this collaboration and for investing in storytellers and their future." Belev’s powerful insight cuts to the heart of the challenges faced by many aspiring filmmakers, particularly those from underrepresented groups or regions lacking established industry infrastructure. The FFC Bulgaria prize directly addresses this systemic issue, striving to democratize access to essential tools and networks, thereby transforming the often-elusive dream of filmmaking into a tangible career path. By focusing on practical support and mentorship, the initiative aims to dismantle traditional barriers and cultivate a more inclusive and equitable cinematic landscape.
The international jury itself is a powerhouse of industry expertise, reflecting a deep commitment to the FFC Bulgaria mission:
Sara Putt stands as a towering figure in the UK film and television industry. As the Managing Director of Sara Putt Associates, which she founded in 1989, she has spent decades championing talent. Her leadership extends to The Partnership Group, formed in 2021 with Sayle Screen and The Artists Partnership, designed to maximize opportunities for a vast roster of clients. Beyond her agency work, Putt is the current Chair of BAFTA, a trustee of the Film and TV Charity, and sits on the advisory board of the British Film Commission. Her previous eight-year tenure as Deputy Chair of Women in Film and Television further solidifies her dedication to gender equality in the industry. Her experience in talent representation, industry governance, and her own producing credits, including the BAFTA-nominated "Tattoo," make her an invaluable voice on the jury, offering insights into both creative and career development.
Jacqueline Wagenstein brings a unique blend of academic rigor, entrepreneurial spirit, and deep film industry experience. With a degree from the New York Film Academy in Florence and a PhD in humanities from Paris, her intellectual foundation is as robust as her practical expertise. Wagenstein is the visionary founder and director of the CineLibri International Film Festival, an event renowned for celebrating films inspired by literary works, establishing it as a leading international film forum in Bulgaria. She is also the creator of BOB (Based-on-Books), an international cinema industry forum, showcasing her commitment to fostering industry dialogue and collaboration. As a producer, her extensive portfolio includes ten short films, two documentaries, and over twenty commercials and music videos, demonstrating her versatility and production acumen. Her profound understanding of both the artistic and business aspects of film, coupled with her deep roots in the Bulgarian festival scene, provides a crucial perspective for the jury.
Vanessa Henneman has established herself as a leading force in talent management in the Benelux region. After studying drama in Guildford, Film and Television Sciences at the London Institute, and law at the University of Amsterdam, specializing in entertainment law, Henneman founded Henneman Agency in 2005. Her agency has since grown to represent over 200 prominent actors, writers, directors, and other creative talents, playing a key strategic role in the Benelux entertainment industry. Beyond traditional agency services, Henneman Agency actively initiates new TV, film, and theater projects, showcasing a proactive approach to content creation. Her expertise in nurturing and guiding talent, coupled with her legal background, offers a vital understanding of career trajectories and industry dynamics for the aspiring filmmakers.
Nina Blagoeva is a veteran of the Bulgarian film distribution landscape. Since 2003, she has been a pivotal member of Alexandra Films, the longest-established film distribution company operating in the Bulgarian market. Alexandra Films holds the distinction of being the most successful distributor of Bulgarian films and has served as a licensee for major international studios such as 20th Century Fox, Sony Pictures, and Warner Bros, alongside numerous independent U.S. and European film companies. Blagoeva’s comprehensive knowledge of film distribution, market trends, and audience engagement is indispensable for evaluating projects not just on their artistic merit but also on their potential to reach audiences and achieve commercial success, a critical component for any filmmaker’s career.
Morgan Cano Long is a producer and development executive with over a decade of experience in building premium film and television projects across various formats and scales. With roots in the U.S. and Latin American industries and now based in London, Cano Long brings a valuable cross-border perspective to development and production. Her expertise lies particularly in early-stage development, guiding projects from concept through packaging and financing. She has a special focus on complex, character-driven stories that resonate at the intersection of culture, environment, and social impact. As the founder of Spiral Shell, a hybrid commercial and impact-oriented storytelling studio, Cano Long is dedicated to early-stage development and supporting diverse voices, making her insights particularly relevant to the FFC Bulgaria mission of fostering inclusive storytelling.
Lisa Cole is a celebrated writer and director whose global perspective, shaped by living with 201 host families across twelve countries, profoundly informs her work. Her 2024 Oscar-shortlisted short film, "Bienvenidos a Los Angeles," a powerful immigration story, exemplifies her ability to craft compelling narratives. Selected for the 2025 Alliance of Women Directors’ Rising Director Fellowship, Cole specializes in adapting true stories that champion female liberation. Her current projects include "Diamond Girls," a feature film with Selena Gomez and producer Laura Bickford, and "Filthy," a Sundance Development Lab Finalist. Her extensive portfolio also includes documentaries for Viacom, A&E, and BET, as well as films for The Gates Foundation and Sundance Institute, focusing on critical issues like women’s health and safety in Kenya and the DR Congo. Cole’s passion for impactful storytelling and her proven success in bringing diverse, empowering narratives to the screen make her an ideal jury member for a prize focused on women and gender-expansive creators.
Mariana Conde-Grant is a creative producer and director whose multicultural identity infuses her work with a unique richness. With over two decades of experience spanning short films, commercials, branded content, documentaries, and animation, she has produced for an impressive roster of clients including Apple, Disney, and Google. Conde-Grant possesses a strong, practical understanding of both creative development and the intricate logistics of production. Her short film "C.T.R.L." screened at nearly a hundred international festivals, including the BFI London Film Festival, and garnered multiple awards, showcasing her talent for crafting compelling narratives. She is currently developing "Mar Sin Leat," a character-driven short exploring themes of identity, grief, and belonging. Her blend of creative vision, extensive practical experience, and a global outlook will be invaluable in assessing the submitted projects.
In addition to these seven distinguished international figures, the jury will be further strengthened by representatives from the core organizations driving FFC Bulgaria and Film Forge. These include Krassimira Belev, Martin I. Petrov, Liza Van Der Smissen, Nicole Lieberman, and Jasmine Becker Williams. Their direct involvement ensures that the foundational vision and collaborative spirit of the prize remain central to the selection process.
The FFC Bulgaria prize is more than just a financial award; it is a comprehensive ecosystem designed to elevate emerging talent, providing not only crucial funding but also unparalleled access to industry leaders, state-of-the-art facilities, and international exposure. By dismantling traditional barriers and championing diverse voices, FFC Bulgaria is poised to make a profound and lasting impact on the global cinematic landscape, fostering a new generation of storytellers who will undoubtedly shape the future of film.
