Moving first film about a young man’s inspirational search for a forgotten folk song once believed capable of resurrecting the dead. Unable to obtain a visa to visit his dying friend in a US hospital, Ivan rediscovers nearly-lost traditions as he treks across his country for someone who remembers the words to the song.
Letter to America is a journey into the innermost depths of the human heart, revealing that it is home to passion, friendship, and most of all hope.
****La Presse (Canadian daily newspaper)
‘When a film transports you into a certain universe, to a point that you forget your own identity, this means his mission has been accomplished.’ ‘Lacking any special effects, but loaded with charm…’
**** Cinemamagezine.nl
‘Letter to America is a beautiful quiet film with a clear message that impresses with its cast of elderly village people.
Awards:
Mata D’or Prijs for Best Film, Noordelijk FF 2003; National Bulgarian FF The Golden Rose; Special Juryprize, Critic’s Award, Audience Award, Journalist Prize, Prize for Best Music, Best young actress; Bulgarian nomination Academy Awards 2002; Special Jury Prize, Instanbul 2002; Silver Vitiaz Prize, The Golden Vitiaz IFF, Tambov 2001; Fipresci Prize & Don Quijote Prize International Federation of Cine Clubs (FICC) Kiev Molodist 2001; Bulgarian Television Award, The grand prix “The Golden Chest”
Festivals (selection):
Montreal Festival des Films du Monde 2001, competition; Pusan 2001, World Cinema Section; Thessaloniki 2001, Greece, Balkan Survey Section; Rennes, France 2002, competition; Washington IFF 2002; Karlovy Vary IFF, East of the West program; Sao Paolo IFF 2002, Brazil; Bordeaux IFF 2002, program “Outstanding film not yet screened in France”; IFF Ghent 2002, Belgium; selected for 8 international debuts by KODAK Market Screenings London Film Week, October 2002; Montepelier IFF 2002, France