On 30 March the House of Cinema plays host to the first night of the film Inches from the Ground as part of the Sofia International Film Festival program.  Its Director and Screenplay Writer is actor Maxim Genchev, and it is produced by Dr. Zlatina Filipova and Desislava Kovacheva. The story takes place in a 1950s communist Bulgaria. A new chief with his family arrives to a disorderly frontier post, formally guarding the sealed Nazi uranium mine from World War II. His son is only 10, but quickly adapts to harsh military conditions, unlike his mother, who dreams of urban life luxuries. The lieutenant quickly imposes iron discipline, but the next day shocking murders begin taking place at the outpost. The film comes across with a real, human and deeply touching story that grabs you right at the heart, while at the same time imbued with fine and balanced humor. The film reminds of the school of neorealism and its masters in Italian cinema: Pasolini, Zavattini, De Sica and Rossellini, but is modern, offering the point of view of a little boy. It was shot for just 17 days in the Chukurovo Mine, the oldest open coalmine in Western Bulgaria. Its location is not unlike a surrealist landscape. The screenplay is a brilliant narrative based on a true story. Director of Photography is Hristo Genkov who has worked for more than forty American, French and Bulgarian film productions. The soundtrack is by Martin Lubenov who has written music for the Bulgarian movies Mission London and Vagabonds. The crew is young and ambitious.

More about the movie from Maxim Genchev:

„The Bulgarian National Radio is partner of the film Inches from the Ground and we can now share the joy of its success. From the very first day I knew the film would become a hit. There is already strong interest in it, internationally. Its message is that when someone loves his or her country they are ready to die for it. It is set in the 1950s, the time of communism, and focuses on the protection of the border during the Cold War. Actress Desi Chutkurova acts a sophisticated lady, a pianist, who has to communicate with simpletons. This is horrible. She dreams of wearing Chanel but is offered an overcoat. The film is up-to-date as both filming and message. It is high time we stop sending Bulgarian soldiers to Afghanistan, because they have to protect Bulgaria. This is my point of view.”

More about the film from its Producer Dr. Zlatina Filipova:

“The film introduced me to some of Maxim's childhood, perhaps a very important part, when he was shaped like a character as he was growing up. To me it is important that my son acted Maxim in his childhood period. The film is a true story. Those who choose to watch it in movie theaters will have a good time. As cinematography the movie takes is back to the Italian cinema of the 1950s and 1960s. Its means of expression border on the grotesque. It is very vivid, musical, offering counterpoints of humor and tragedy, and it keeps you hooked all the time - you are not given any chance to get bored.”