In the early 1990s, after the fall of communism, a secret operation unfolds in the small Bulgarian village of Tsarichina. A task force of high-ranking military officials embarks on a classified mission to dig out a mystical artefact which is believed to have the power to restore Bulgaria to greatness, or provide more knowledge about its origins, or make it possible to contact extra-terrestrials... What exactly it is is not clear. However, the heads of the operation, General Zlatev and Colonel Platnikov are trustingly following the lead of two extrasensory women, the Colonel’s gifted daughter, Slava, and the General’s personal medium, Pirina Nyagolova. The two women act as the “signal conductors”, delivering messages from the beyond and giving directions on how to get to the artefact. Award-winning Bulgarian directing duo Kristina Grozeva and Petar Valchanov’s latest work is a unique blend of sci-fi mystery, black comedy and drama, with vivid performances from the cast, particularly Maria Bakalova (Oscar-nominated for her role in Borat Subsequent Moviefilm). Still, what Triumph shows is not just the absurdity of believing in extraterrestrial powers but also the larger political confusion that marked the post-communist era.

Awards: Golden Rose FF 2024 (Best Film, Best Actress, Best Screenwriter, Audience Award and Award of the Union of Bulgarian Filmmakers) Sofia IFF 2025 (Special Mention and Award of the Bulgarian Guild of Film Critics)