Sofia already has its international festival of sport films. In the period May 27-29^th, documentary and feature sport films werescreened in the LumiereCinema downtown Sofia. “Where sports meet art” is the moto of the Sofia Sport Film Festival, which is a part of the program of the Sofia 2018- European Capital of Sports project. It was organized at the initiative of actress ZhanaKaraivanova with the support of the Sofia Municipality.It took six months to prepare the program of the festival and some hit movies were shown for the first time in this country.The major part of the festival’s program, however, was dedicated to Bulgarian films. Anatoli Iliev, responsible for the organization of events under the Sofia 2018- European Capital of Sports initiative, told us more.

“We used the experience of other European cities where similar initiatives take place. The aim of Sofia 2018 - European Capital of Sport is to inform people about the opportunities for sports provided by the city and its traditions in the sphere. People also learn about the benefits of an active way of life. Sport is also linked to culture. Speaking about sport and its influence on young people, the topic of culture and films comes up. Films give viewers the chance to get acquainted with unique people and their way of life. This coincides with the aim of the foundation for 2018 – informing the biggest number of people about active living.”

Each day of the festival had a thematic focus as Saturday was dedicated to the fans of extreme sports. There were films about Bulgarian Paralympic competitors, too, who despite all difficulties continue to be an active and successful part of society. The activities of the Bulgarian Paralympic Association and the successes of some of the most famous Bulgarian Paralympic competitors, who are getting ready for the Games in Rio at the end of the summer, were presented before the start of the festival. Some of the films presented during Sofia Sport Film Festival were Havana Motor Club, BG Freerun, Gored, Palio, Beyond the Edge and others. A number of accompanying events also took place during the festival, which is just one of the initiatives under the Sofia 2018 European Capital of Sport project.

“Sofia 2018 European Capital of Sportoffers a rich calendar of events. A few days ago we organized sports competitions in the Borisovagradinadowntown Sofia. There were extreme sports competitions, running, riding and all kinds of sports that can be practiced in urban environment. The program continues on June 17-18 when the Vitosha 100 km mountain ultra-marathon and MTB race will take place. This is a big event that includes over 1800 riders and runners. On July 10 we are to go on a hiking tour to the MominaSkala hut and there will be 15 more events until the end of the year,” Anatoli Iliev says.

Despite pleasurable emotions that sports bring us, a great number of Bulgarians get alienated from active living. Here is what Anatoli Ilievhas to tell these people:

“This way one wastes much of their lives because in addition to good health and important values that sport provides, it also means emotional activity. Without making physical efforts one just cannot imagine the emotion and challenges sport gives to people.”

English: Alexander Markov