Bulgaria has been producing films since 1915. Bulgarian cinema is known for the pioneering work of directors like Donyo Donev in the field of animation. The filming and screening of Vasil Gendov's film Bulgaran is Gallant (1915) is considered to be the beginning of Bulgarian cinematography. Historically, Bulgarian films have been noted for their realism, social themes and technical innovation. From 1915 to 1948, when film production was nationalized, 55 films were made, but production slowed down after the beginning of World War II. During the time of the Fatherland Front government, films with a historical focus were given bigger funding. The biggest studio at that time was the Boyana Film Studio. Notable Bulgarian film directors are Rangel Vulchanov, Christo Christov, Georgi Djulgerov. Other filmmakers of note are Kristina Grozeva and Petar Valchanov, who directed the Crystal Globe-winning film The Father (2019), and Theodore Ushev whose film Blind Vaysha (2016) was nominated for an Academy Award. Bulgarian actors who have accrued critical success and worldwide recognition include Nina Dobrev and Maria Bakalova. The Golden Rose Film Festival was first held in 1961 and was the biggest Bulgarian film festival throughout the 20th century. In 1997, the Sofia Film Fest was held for the first time. In 2007, Variety included it in its list of 50 best film festivals. Directors See List of Bulgarian film directors Actors See also List of Bulgarian actors Stefan Valdobrev Nikolay Binev Stoyan Bachvarov Rusi Chanev Georgi Cherkelov Stefan Danailov Nina Dobrev Itzhak Fintzi Georgi Georgiev-Getz Anton Gorchev Kiril Gospodinov Stanislav Ianevski Georgi Kaloyanchev Velko Kanev Apostol Karamitev Asen Kisimov Nevena Kokanova Todor Kolev Konstantin Kotsev Tatyana Lolova Georgi Mamalev Hristo Mutafchiev Stoyanka Mutafova Lyubomir Neikov Dimitar Panov Georgi Partsalev Katya Paskaleva Pavel Popandov Petar Popyordanov Georgi Rusev Krastyu Sarafov Yosif Sarchadzhiev Hristo Shopov Naum Shopov Petar Slabakov Nikola Todev Kosta Tsonev Grigor Vachkov Martina Vachkova Ani Valchanova Philip Trifonoff Maria Bakalova Nick Stanchev Animators Donyo Donev Festivals Sofia International Film Festival In The Palace International Short Film Festival Sofia Documentary Cinelibri Notable films (1910) Bulgaran is Gallant - The Bulgarian is Gallant (considered the first Bulgarian movie) (1917) Baronat - Baronet (1917) Lyubovta e ludost - The Love is Crazy (1921) Dyavolat v Sofia - The Devil in Sofia (1922) Bay Ganyo - Bay Ganyo (1929) Nai-vyarnata strazha - The Most Loyal Guard (1958) Lyubimetz 13 - Favourite #13 (1962) Tyutyun - Tobacco (nominated for