Kosta Karakashyan's new film They explores the impossibility of everyday love
Navigating the queer experience in Bulgaria.
Bulgarian writer, director and choreographer Kosta Karakashyan has just wrapped production on his latest short film They, a love story between two university professors in Bulgaria who are forced to keep their relationship a secret.
The film, co-written by Karakashyan and Simeon Todorov, has been three years in the making and is a portrayal of the challenges that LGBTQ people in Bulgaria and Eastern Europe face in their pursuit of love and acceptance.
Bulgarian actors Veselin Anchev and Kal Minev play Miho and Lyudmil, professors who have to cautiously navigate the barrier between their public and private life amidst an air of homophobia.
The film also utilises dance and movement as a metaphor for freedom and authenticity, blending Karakashyan’s experience as a choreographer with the dramatic tension of the story.
“It has been a dream come true to bring this love story to life..." explains Karakashyan. "Many queer people in Bulgaria are still forced to keep quiet, even secretive lives because of their safety, and we wanted to honour their experiences while still focusing on the beauty, care and tenderness that can exist in these relationships. I couldn’t have asked for a more incredible leading pair and crew.”
For our podcast, How To Date Men, we caught up with Kosta for a behind-the-scenes look at the film.
In the conversation, we talk systemic homophobia, controversy in Bulgaria, and the sensuality of movement.
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