10:00 Check in

10:15 Opening Remarks & Keynote – National Film Center of Bulgaria & Cinelibri IFF

• Stefan Prohorov (National Film Center)
• Jacqueline Wagenstein (CEO Cinelibri)

From Page to Presence: The Enduring Power of Literary Cinema
Representatives from the National Film Center and Cinelibri IFF open the forum with reflections on the cultural and creative significance of screen adaptations. Exploring why literary cinema continues to captivate audiences and challenge creators, the keynote sets the stage for a day of dialogue on storytelling, transformation, and the evolving media landscape.

10:30-12:00 Panel 1: The Adaptation Game

Producers & Directors Navigating the Literary Pipeline
Speakers:

• Mike Downey – Chairman European Film Academy/Producer (Green Border, Franz)
• Rudolf Bierman – Producer/Director (The Interpreter, A Prominent Patient)
• Tonia Sotiropoulou – Actress (Skyfall, Waiting Room)

Moderator: Stanislava Ivy

Description:

This panel brings together writers/producers/directors who have successfully navigated the complex journey of adapting literary works for the screen. From optioning rights and script development to financing, casting, and distribution, adaptations face unique challenges — especially in today’s streaming era marked by IP competition and global co-productions. The discussion covers strategies for attracting investors, collaborating across borders, working with creatives, and choosing distribution paths.

Key Topics:

• Debunking the “built-in audience” myth and attracting investment
• Building international co-productions based on literary IP
• Identifying adaptable books: market trends vs. personal taste
• Preserving the essence of the book while serving the screen
• Choosing between theatrical, streaming, or hybrid release models

12:00 – 12:45 LUNCH – offered by BOB

13:00 – 14:15 Panel 2: The Talented Mr. Ripley — Acting Masterclass

Actors and Casting in Film
Speaker:

• Michael McKell

Description:
This masterclass delves into the actor’s unique role in bringing literary characters to life. With characters already fully formed in readers’ imaginations, actors and casting directors discuss the responsibility, challenges, and pressures of embodying iconic roles. A practical workshop with advice from one of the most talented storytellers among the actors – Michael McKell. Michael has a wide range of experience in film, TV, theatre and musical. He began his career as a singer and then transitioned into film and stage. He has been in Essex Boys with Sean Bean, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels as well as Allied with Brad Pitt and Prizefighter with Russell Crowe. He conquered West End with We Will Rock You.

COFFEE BREAK – 14:15 – 14:30

14:30-15:30 Panel 3: The great beauty of the costumes – Costume Design Masterclass

Speaker: Daniela Ciancio (Costume Designer)

Description:

Daniela Ciancio, an award-winning costume designer, has worked extensively in film, television, theater, opera, ballet, and advertising in Italy and abroad for over 30 years. She is a Member of the Academy of Motion Pictures and Arts (Oscar’s Academy) European Film Academy, and the David di Donatello Academy. Daniela will guide us through the process behind her spectacular work in costume design. She has been the costume designer for acclaimed films such as La Grande Bellezza and Il Divo by Paolo Sorrentino, The Face of an Angel by Michael Winterbottom, and Il Resto di Niente by Antonietta De Lillo. Her many awards include two David di Donatello for her work on Il Resto di Niente and The Great Beauty. Her career also includes collaborations with numerous international film and television productions, including serving as costume supervisor on Mission: Impossible III. In addition to her work as a costume designer, Daniela shares her expertise as a costume designer educator at various academies and holds master classes across the globe, in Europe, Asia, and the United States. At the moment, she is also working as Costume Director at the San Carlo Opera House in Italy.

15:40 – 17:30 Panel 4: How to get your film in the spotlight – Practical Workshop

Speakers:

• Davide Abbatescianni (Cultural Journalist/Film Critic)

Moderated by: Martin Petrov (Director, WoFF – World of Film International Festival, Glasgow)

Description:
Led by journalist and film critic Davide Abbatescianni, this intensive session is tailored for filmmakers eager to boost their press visibility. Drawing on years of experience writing for outlets such as Cineuropa, Business Doc Europe, Documentary Magazine, and Variety, and covering over 40 festivals annually, Abbatescianni offers a practical guide to navigating the world of film journalism. Participants will learn how to craft compelling press materials, pitch their projects effectively, collaborate with publicists, and make the most of festival exposure. Whether you’re promoting independently or working with a sales agent or distributor, this session will help you build a press strategy that works.

19:00  Premiere of Agnieszka Holland’s “Franz” – the director will be a special guest of the festival and the screening will be followed by a Q&A session with her

• The forum is designed to foster networking and informal exchanges among participants during between sessions and the additional networking events.
• The official language of the forum is English.

BOB will take place in the city center of Sofia on 25th October 2025.