The Jury of the Master of Art Film Festival Announced the Winners of the 2025 Awards
The Master of Art festival, dedicated to documentary art cinema, for the tenth time in a row honored the best films that reveal different aspects of the art world. The event gathered its loyal audience this time again, offering a diverse selection of films that cover different genres: fine arts, photography, architecture, dance, music and more.
This year the State Institute for Cultura under the Minister of Foreign Affairs’ award for the best Bulgarian documentary about art was awarded to the film “Vasko and the Violin” (2024), directed by Lora Krumova and Maria Yotova. This is a documentary that tells the story of Vasko Vassilev, the world-famous Bulgarian violinist, and his journey from the child prodigy of communist Bulgaria to the international stage. The film follows not only his incredible musical talent, but also the difficulties he faces in his life and career, going through various challenges – from social and political restrictions to personal and professional choices. The film, which has been in Bulgarian cinemas since February 28, offers an inspiring and emotional picture of Vassilev’s life and his uncompromising dedication to art, which makes him one of the most important musicians of our time.
The award for best documentary this year, provided by “Aurubis – Bulgaria”, was awarded to “Land Under the Melting Snow” (Belgium, 2024), directed by Muhtaba Bahadori. This film tells the story of the effects of climate change on people and nature, using powerful visual images and personal stories to highlight global challenges and their impact on everyday life.
The prize in the category “Art and Power”, traditionally supported by “Overgas”, was awarded to the Italian film “Art against War. Banksy and C215 in Borodyanka, Ukraine” (2024), directed by Michel Pinto. This film examines how two of the world’s most famous street artists, Banksy and C215, arrive in the war-torn Borodyanka, Ukraine, to create art in the context of the conflict. The film poses the important question of what is the place of art in a time of war and destruction, while simultaneously highlighting the power of art to provoke and inspire in the most difficult moments.
The Master of Art festival continues to be a key platform for documentary art film in Bulgaria and beyond. The spring edition of the festival will be broadcast online in April and May on the neterra.tv+ platform, and the summer edition will be held outdoors in June and July in Sofia and Koprivshtitsa.
The full list of awarded works in all categories can be found on the festival's official website: https://masterofartfilmfestival.com/bg.