Fear
Directed by
Ivaylo Hristov
Svetla, a strong-willed widow, lives alone in a small Bulgarian village close to the Turkish border. She has recently lost her job as a teacher due to the lack of families with young children. One day, while hunting in a forest, she encounters an African refugee, Bamba, who is trying to reach Germany, and will bring about a dramatic turn in her life. Reluctantly, she offers him hospitality, but day after day, a bond develops as Bamba learns the language and takes part in her daily life. Svetla will make life-changing choices that go against her traditional community creating a revolt among the villagers. Absurd, comic and tragic situations ensue as she breaks barriers of loneliness, close mindedness and fear of the outsider.
Director & Cast
- Director: Ivaylo Hristov
- Starring: Svetlana Yancheva
- Starring: Michael Flemming
- Starring: Kristina Yaneva
- Starring: Ivan Savov
Trailer

Photos
Reviews
- "A marvelously acerbic offbeat comedy which has its roots firmly embedded in a human drama."
- "There is a genuine warmth in the connection between Svetla and Bamba. Scenes in which they talk, at cross purposes and about completely different things, somehow result in a shared and satisfying understanding."
- "Hristov uses humour to give his film broad mainstream appeal. He strikes a careful balance, allowing the absurdity of the situation to shine out...."
- "There is fine grotesque humour and a sense of hard-won humanity in Fear, which focuses on the individual to light up the global. With a premise that won't fall into a Balkan rom-com genre type, the film becomes a moral fable of learning, embracing the unknown. It is finely acted, well-placed in its setting and immensely penetrating in the characteristics of folk small-mindedness."
Winner
Grand Prize - Best Film
Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival
Grand Prize - Best Film
Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival
Winner
Best Film
Golden Rose Film Festival
Best Film
Golden Rose Film Festival
Nominated
Best Foreign Language Film
Santa Barbara Int'l. Film Festival
Best Foreign Language Film
Santa Barbara Int'l. Film Festival
Nominated
Best Film
Trieste Film Festival
Best Film
Trieste Film Festival