DON’T CLOSE YOUR EYES is the #1 Bulgarian film for four weeks in a row. It recently won Best Foreign Film at London International Film Festival. It will be screening in Chicago where it will be welcomed for a second time by the largest Bulgarian immigrant population in the world. The Chicago Screening is March 29 at Bulgarica Center, presented by Itchy Rodent Films it is the latest stop on the Worldwide Theatrical Roadshow. Ticketing options available here
Itchy Rodent Films’ DON’T CLOSE YOUR EYES is a compelling cinematic experience; it is at once deep and accessible. Weaving two interconnected stories of past and present, the viewer is introduced to two men, each confronting questions of spirit and faith in their own life experiences.
The story begins In 1980 when we meet Peter, an unusual eighteen-year-old and watch as he tragically loses his sister in an accident at the beach. Terrified and confused, her tries to explain to his parents what happened but his life is threatened by his father and he runs away from his home. In the wood, Peter meets a stranger who helps him and directs Peter to seek solace and guidance from a brotherhood of monks. He finds himself on an extended spiritual journey of healing.
Moving to 2024, we meet Father Paul who is married and has two young daughters. Paul’s sister is very ill, battling a life-threatening disease and she also has two young daughters. While Paul prays for his sister, she continues to decline, leading him to face his deepest fear- his loss of faith.
As both men grapple with their trials, divine providence weaves their paths together, revealing the ways in which faith and love can heal even the deepest wounds. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Bulgaria’s churches and monasteries, DON’T CLOSE YOUR EYES intertwines two powerful narratives of spiritual struggle and redemption.
Director Nikolay Egermann shares that, “Creating DON’T CLOSE YOUR EYES has been a captivating journey for me, one that has deeply intertwined with my personal experiences and artistic sensibilities. The film is not just a story but a reflection of the shadows and hopes we harbor within us. I was inspired to tell this story by the encounter of my mother with breast cancer. It was this poignant memory that stirred me to explore the narrative through the lens of my camera, turning internal fears into a visual experience.” Also, “Collaborating with an incredibly talented cast and crew allowed me to push the creative boundaries and bring a vision alive that is both intimate and universal. DON’T CLOSE YOUR EYES is a testament to the strength of storytelling and the shared human experience.”
Though this film is explicitly religious, its reach is far greater. No matter our faith or culture, our challenges and fears, hopes and dreams are very much the same, and in this film, they are accessed and explored. The cinematography and beautiful scenery enrich the viewer’s experience. The cast that includes Pavel Poppandov, Irena Miliankova, Vladi Vargala, Dobrin Dossev, Nikolai Urumov, with producer Bogdan Darev and production designer Mariya Apostolova.
Photos are provided by DON’T CLOSE YOUR EYES
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