I DREAM OF MUMMERS

26 min. 2011, Bulgaria

Directed by Adela Peeva

Photographed by Emil Penev

Sound by Bozhidar Simeonov

Edited by Diana Zacharieva

Produced by Adela Peeva

World sales/contact: Adela Peeva,

3, Babuna Planina str., 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria

+359 28626572

adelamedia@adelamedia.net

Decho (68) and Uncle Ivan (75) live in the small village of Sushitsa in southern Bulgaria. Decho is 68, and Uncle Ivan is 75. They have been friends for as long as they can remember, and for over 50 years, in late summer, they dress as mummers (called “kukeri” in Bulgaria) and take part in the “kukeri” dance in the village square. A custom whose origins are hidden far back in the past, a tradition that has become part of the history of an entire nation. This custom is found in many places in Bulgaria, but here, in this village, it has almost completely preserved its authenticity and can still be seen as it was performed centuries ago. For people here, this is the biggest feast of the year. Bells are tinkling, costumes and masks are taken out of drawers and attics. Everything looks just like in an old newsreel from 1942 found in the National Film Archives, footage of the same celebration in the same village...

MA  IGATSEN  JANTIMIST
Režissöör Adela Peeva

Decho (68) ja onu Ivan (75) elavad Bulgaaria lõunaosas asuvas Sushitsa külas ning hilissuvel panevad nad selga kummalised kostüümid. Rahvas tuleb kokku, et üheskoos vihtuda kukerii tantsu, sooritada muistseid rituaale. Õnneks on Rahvuslikus filmiarhiivis alles ringvaade samast külast ja samast maskipidustusest, võetud filmile 1942. aastal. Saab ju siis võrrelda, kuidas kombed ja rituualid enam kui poolsajandi jooksul muutunud on.