Stephan Komandarev Awarded Silver Peacock Best Director For Blagas Lessons

Bulgarian Director Stephan Komandarev clinched the 'Silver Peacock' for Best Director for 'Blaga’s Lessons,' a powerful exploration of moral compromise in the face of deceit.

The film centers on Blaga, a widow whose moral compass is shaken after falling victim to telephone scammers, highlighting the vulnerable lives of today's senior citizens in post-communist Bulgaria.

Stephan Komandarev tells a powerful and shocking lesson through the character of a woman who has to decide to achieve her goals and in doing so compromise her values. The film is wonderfully embodied by a great artist, Ms. Eli Skorcheva, reads the Jury’s citation.

The award consists of Rs 15 Lacs, a Certificate and the Silver Peacock medal. Lead Actress of Blaga’s Lessons Ms. Eli Skorcheva receiving award on behalf of the Director.

The jury for this year comprised of veterans in the cinema industry such as Indian filmmaker Shekhar Kapoor, the Chairperson of the Jury, Spanish Cinematographer Jose Luis Alcaine, French film producers Jerome Paillard and Catherine Dussart and Australian film producer Helen Leake.