Grozeva and Valchanov Return to Karlovy Vary with 'Black Money for White Nights'

Bulgarian filmmaking duo Kristina Grozeva and Petar Valchanov are set to make a highly anticipated return to the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) for its 60th edition. Having previously secured the festival’s prestigious Crystal Globe in 2019 for their film *The Father*, the directors are premiering their latest feature, *Black Money for White Nights*, a tragicomedy that explores the complexities of post-Soviet identity and moral ambiguity.

The narrative centers on an aging couple, Marina and Gosha, whose long-held dream of witnessing the White Nights in St. Petersburg is derailed by the geopolitical fallout of the invasion of Ukraine. As their travel agency collapses and their life savings—amassed through years of small-scale bribery—are jeopardized, the protagonists are forced to confront the shifting values of their society. The film promises a nuanced look at a generation grappling with the erosion of their long-standing certainties.

This project is significant not only for the directors' established pedigree but also for its thematic focus on the intersection of personal aspiration and historical upheaval. By framing the story as a tragicomedy, Grozeva and Valchanov aim to capture the absurdity and desperation inherent in their characters' plight. With a production team that includes editor Yorgos Mavropsaridis and world sales handled by Cercamon, the film is positioned as a notable entry in this year’s festival circuit, offering a poignant reflection on how global conflicts reshape the lives of ordinary citizens.