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Movie Discovery of the Day: Triumph (2024) by Kristina Grozeva, Petar Valchanov

"Triumph" (Bulgarian: "Триумф") is a 2024 Bulgarian-Greek black comedy directed by Kristina Grozeva and Petar Valchanov. It serves as the final installment in their trilogy, following "The Lesson" (2014) and "Glory" (2016). The film draws inspiration from real events in the early 1990s, focusing on a secretive military operation in post-communist Bulgaria.

Synopsis:

Set in the chaotic aftermath of communism's fall, the Bulgarian military initiates a clandestine operation in the village of Tsarichina. Led by high-ranking officers and guided by a psychic channeler, the mission aims to unearth a mysterious artifact believed to bring about Bulgaria's ultimate triumph. As the excavation progresses, the line between reality and absurdity blurs, highlighting the nation's struggle for identity and purpose.

Wikipedia

Themes:

  • Post-Communist Transition: The film satirizes Bulgaria's tumultuous shift from communism, emphasizing the societal confusion and susceptibility to irrational beliefs during this period.

  • Absurdity of Bureaucracy: Through the depiction of a far-fetched military mission, it critiques the often illogical and misguided decisions of authoritative institutions.

  • Search for National Identity: The quest for the artifact symbolizes the nation's desperate attempt to reclaim a sense of pride and direction amidst uncertainty.

Awards:

"Triumph" premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and was selected as Bulgaria's official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards. 5 wins & 1 nomination international film festivals.

Production:

  • Directors: Kristina Grozeva and Petar Valchanov

  • Writers: Kristina Grozeva, Petar Valchanov, and Decho Taralezhkov

  • Producers: Kristina Grozeva, Petar Valchanov, and Maria Bakalova

  • Cinematography: Krum Rodriguez

  • Editing: Petar Valchanov

  • Music: Hristo Namliev

  • Production Companies: Abraxas Film and Graal Films

The film features a notable cast, including Maria Bakalova as Slava Platnikova, Margita Gosheva as Pirina Nyagolova, Julian Vergov as Colonel Platnikov, and Julian Kostov as Private Georgi.

Distribution: Bankside Films

Reviews:

  • Cineuropa: Described the film as "an absurdist, suspenseful comedy that maps out the vague prophetic ambitions of a puzzled country in transition."

    Cineuropa

  • RogerEbert.com: Praised Maria Bakalova's performance, stating the film "excels as both a sharp political satire and a testament to Bakalova’s multifaceted talent and potential."

    Roger Ebert

  • High On Films: Noted that "the tease of the film is in this ambiguity," highlighting the compelling power dynamics and repressed emotions that surface throughout the narrative.

    High On Films





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