The film Rivers of Sofia will premiere at the first edition of Sofia Short Fest 2025
It is too bad that Sofia does not have a major river running through it like Prague, Paris, Moscow or some of the other major European capitals. Sofia is a city of canals. Is this really so?
The team of the Collective Foundation, together with experts from other organizations, gathers in front of the lens of the documentary film "Rivers of Sofia" by the director Viktor Ivanov to introduce us to the truth about the waters of our capital. The film will premiere at the first edition of Sofia Short Fest.
Did you know that as many as 33 rivers run through the territory of Sofia? Rivers that have been affected by indiscriminate urbanization and a lack of planning have led to the state of canals. Canals that are being polluted with sewage and concreted over for the purpose of private buildings, parking lots, and other projects that are wasting this invaluable resource for the residents of Sofia.
Like many other cities, Sofia also originated around riverbeds and has benefited from this natural resource for centuries. A fact we have forgotten, and which could change the quality of life in the city. Of course, for this to happen, the problem needs to be recognized, and both civic and municipal structures have to work towards this.
Sofia's rivers are a supra-political project. A project that concerns everyone. A mission that can create green areas around the city, with spaces for recreation, for walking and cycling over 100km long.
"Rivers of Sofia" clarifies the key challenges facing the rivers and highlights the first steps needed to transform them and connect them to the city! The film brings together a wide network of experts who are fighting to restore the dignity of Sofia's rivers. Among them are Ivo Anev from "Club Smisal", representatives from "Sofiaplan", "Sofia Project", "Sofia Team", "The Collective" and others.
Don't miss the screening of Rivers of Sofia on June 15th at 13:00 in Vlaikova Cinema.
*The film is part of the official SSF selection in the Professional Documentary 2025 category.
