We are proud to celebrate the 22nd edition of the Early Bird International Student Film Festival, a leading Bulgarian platform for student short films. For more than two decades, the Festival has supported emerging filmmakers, giving them the opportunity to showcase their work, meet fellow filmmakers and connect with audiences from around the world.
Our Story
The Early Bird International Student Film Festival was founded by American Foundation for Bulgaria in 2005, building on the Foundation’s successful initiative to support university student film projects. The original concept was developed by Alexey Hristov, Manager of the American Foundation for Bulgaria – Bulgaria Branch, and Prof. Dr. Stanislav Semerdjiev, former Rector of the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts (NATFA) and Executive Director of CILECT, the International Association of Film and Television Schools.
With its second edition, Early Bird became an international festival. Over the years, it has built a network of filmmakers from more than 90 countries and presented more than 1,800 films in its Official Selection.
One of the Festival’s distinctive traditions is its Jury Presidency: the Grand Award winner of the previous edition is invited to return the following year as President of the Jury.
Over the years, Early Bird has welcomed distinguished filmmakers, educators and film professionals from Bulgaria and around the world as jury members and official guests, including Emil Hristov, Teddy Moskov, Rangel Valchanov, Prof. Rolf Ortel (Austria), Prof. Maria Dora Mourão (Brazil), Prof. Zviad Dolidze (Georgia), Oscar-winning screenwriter Ronald Harwood, Oscar-winning director and screenwriter Florian Gallenberger, Emmy Award-winning cinematographer Kalin Ivanov, and many other prominent figures from the international film community.
Our Mission
The Festival’s main goal has always been to present the distinctive perspectives of young filmmakers and their bold responses to the issues of their time, creating a visual record of the ideas, questions and concerns that shape their generation.
In 2020, when the world came to a standstill, Early Bird changed its rules for the first time and launched a Special Quarantine Edition, inviting filmmakers to participate with films created during or inspired by the COVID-19 lockdown.
Supporting young filmmakers goes beyond the competition. Each year, Early Bird offers a range of educational activities, including masterclasses and workshops led by established professionals from different fields. These events create opportunities for learning, discussion and the exchange of experience between experienced practitioners and the next generation of filmmakers.
Alongside the international Competition Programme, the Festival presents special programmes and additional screenings of new Bulgarian films, as well as curated selections from partner festivals and organisations.