In Theaters 03.04.2015 or Watch at Home 06.02.2015

The Lesson

Directed by Kristina Grozeva, Petar Valchanov
Film Movement
2014
105 Minutes
Bulgaria
Bulgarian
Thriller, Drama
Not Rated
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In a small Bulgarian town, Nade is an honest, hard-working elementary school teacher and devoted mother, struggling to keep her life together. Her unemployed, alcoholic husband has secretly spent their mortgage payments on booze, the agency where she translates legal documents for extra cash is going under, and a thief in her class has stolen the last of her money out of her purse. With few options left, Nade turns to a local loan shark for help, but with the reposession of her home looming, she finds herself with little hope. Resorting to measures her former self would have found depraved, Nade attempts one last desperate act to get the money she needs.

Director & Cast

  • Director: Kristina Grozeva
  • Director: Petar Valchanov
  • Starring: Ivan Barnev
  • Starring: Ivanka Bratoeva
  • Starring: Stefan Denolyubov
  • Starring: Margita Gosheva

Where to Watch

Vimeo On Demand Apple TV

Trailer

Photos

Reviews

  • "Wickedly visceral! Tough, gripping, emotionally rewarding through trenchant plotting!"
    Aaron Hillis, Village Voice
  • "The film ultimately understands poverty as a profound and often irreversible desolation of terra firma."
    Slant Magazine
  • "Quietly compelling human drama... (with) a commanding central performance from Margita Gosheva... You become completely captivated by her refusal to surrender to her fate."
    Allan Hunter, Screen Daily
Winner
Ingmar Berman Award
Goteborg Film Festival
Winner
New Directors Award
San Sebastian Film Festival
Official Selection
Toronto Int'l Film Festival
Official Selection
San Sebastian Film Festival
Official Selection
Reykjavik Film Festival
Official Selection
Warsaw Film Festival
Official Selection
Tokyo Film Festival
Official Selection
Palm Springs Film Festival
Official Selection
Goteborg Film Festival