“Poor Things” directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, one of the most curious films of the year, a daring combination of science fiction, surreal romance and a Victorian tale of self-discovery and growing up, will mark the opening of the Cinelibri International Book-to-Film Festival. Emma Stone is entrusted with the leading role of Bella Baxter. The mind-blowingly talented actress is partner with Willem Dafoe, Mark Ruffalo, Ramy Youssef and Margaret Qualley.
The opening ceremony of Cinelibri will take place on October 6 at 19:00 in Hall 1 of the National Palace of Culture in Sofia. Maestro Zhivko Petrov, one of the greatest Bulgarian jazz musicians, will play a nocturne by Chopin, Op. 9, No. 2 in E flat major – symbolic start of the ninth edition of the festival. Spectacular animation will accompany the musical performance, transporting the viewer into the world of books and cinema with an emphasis on the metamorphoses of literary characters and plots on the big screen.
A US-Ireland-UK co-production and undoubtedly one of the most eagerly awaited films of the year, “Poor Things” directed by cinema visionary Yorgos Lanthimos (“The Lobster”, “The Favourite”) is a kind of postmodern reading of the story of Dr. Frankenstein and his monster. Tony McNamara’s screenplay is an adaptation of the 1992 novel of the same name by the great Scottish artist Alasdair Gray – author of works in the genre of science fiction, intertwining realistic and surreal plots and perceived as a remarkable fusion of fantasy, satire, erudition and social commentary. The film is part of the competition program of the 80th edition of the Venice Film Festival.
Cinelibri 2023 will be held between October 6 and 29 in Sofia and six other Bulgarian cities under the motto “Metamorphoses” on the occasion of the 140th anniversary of the birth of Franz Kafka. The program promises dozens of glamorous national and world premieres, feverishly discussed in the film media around the world and in Bulgaria. The genre-stylistic and thematic diversity of the planned films, traditionally divided into several sections, is impressive. All cinema-literary events, gala evenings and special guests are yet to be announced, including the representatives of the jury, who will distinguish the best competition titles.
The tickets for the opening and the exclusive screening of “Poor Things” are at an early bird price of BGN 14 until September 1 inclusively, and after September 1 they will be sold at prices of BGN 16, 17 and 18.
Opening and Screening: https://epaygo.bg/1883845891
“Poor Things” is distributed by “Forum Film Bulgaria”. The film is not suitable for viewers under the age of 16. The film will have only one screening in Bulgaria in 2023. “Poor Things” will be officially released in theaters in January 2024.
Trailer with Bulgarian subtitles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HCLYhTgLJ8