In September Bulgarian film-makers and employees gathered to protest outside Nu Boyana Studios. Their concern: the potential closure of the studios when the privatisation agreement ends.
In the mid-2000’s, the studio was privatised and purchased by Nu Image. A 20-year agreement was signed containing specific clauses preventing the buyer from dismantling the historic studio or using the land for non-cinematic purposes. But with the agreement due to expire on November 17th the protesters fear the site might be earmarked for a different use.
During the protest, Gabriel Georgiev, president of the Alliance of Independent Film Producers, said they were waiting for answers to two key questions: “What will happen to Boyana Film Studios once the restrictions in the current privatisation agreement expire? And secondly, have all the conditions stipulated in the agreement been met to allow the acquisition of the property once this period has expired?”
In a social media post the studio’s owner replied: “Boyana Film Studios are not for sale. We are still shooting. We are still investing. And we intend to remain part of Bulgarian cinema’s future.”
