The Kremikovtzi metallurgical plant back in August 1978. Heat, metal, dust and the smell of machine oil. It is another working day for a brigade of prisoners with severe sentences. However, this day would change their lives.

The story is revealed by the latest Bulgarian feature film by director Martin Makariev "In the Heart of the Machine", which hits theaters in Bulgaria on March 18. A film about finding humanness in each of us, regardless of the price paid. "In the Heart of the Machine is even more relevant today, as war and ongoing pandemic continue,” the production team said.

The story is based on true events from the late 70's, told personally to the director more than 10 years ago. The main roles are played by some of the best Bulgarian actors - Hristo Shopov, Ivaylo Hristov, Julian Vergov, Alexander Sano, Hristo Petkov, Vladimir Zombori, Valeri Yordanov and Bashar Rahal. Famous actor Igor Angelov from North Macedonia is also present. Andrey Andreev is the cameraman and the screenplay is by Borislav Zahariev. The music is work by Victor Stoyanov, who has experience working with the team of legendary German composer Hans Zimmer.

“We focus on the thirst for freedom that turns some criminals into worthy humans,” producer Alexander Penev has told BNR.

“The story in this film is international and universal as it is about human rights, dreams, desires and reasons. It takes place during the days of socialist regime, the memory of which is relevant not only in Bulgaria but in all former socialist countries. But what the viewers will see, and this is the most important in my opinion, is that we Bulgarians keep exceptional humanness deep in our hearts. Our movie may show what it costs to preserve the human in you. Our characters pay a high price to find it in themselves, but they pay it with courage because it's worth it," the producer says.

"What you save - saves you," director Martin Makariev says. "In the Heart of the Machine" is the sixth title in his biography. At the end of 2021 the movie triumphed in three categories (best sound, editing and cast) at the AFIN International Film Festival in Australia and won the grand prize for best film at the Golden Rose Festival in Varna. The film's big European pre-premiere tour ended just a month ago, after visiting more than 20 cities in Germany, England, Scotland, Ireland and France.

"I believe that art is a team sport and that a lot depends on national support. Unfortunately, the way of thinking in Bulgaria is very different in comparison to that in other European countries. You have to build something for years before you see results and the most important thing is the path you take. Here people think that when they invest, they invest in the ultimate goal, while it is really a consequence. Our film it is not the ultimate result of funds allocated to us by the National Film Center. It is the result of 15 years of hard work, money, time, experience and deprivations, and the path will not end with the premiere.“

The important thing is that this movie should be inspiring and uplifting, the director adds. That is why the poetry of Bulgarian poets such as Hristo Smirnenski and Nikola Vaptsarov is strongly present in it. "These writers had the ability to raise one’s spirits with just five words," Martin Makariev says. "In the Heart of the Machine" is another attempt to raise the spirit of Bulgarian contemporary cinema and of its creators.

Compiled by: Vessela Krasteva /based on an interview by Tanya Dimova, BNR - "Hristo Botev"/

English: Alexander Markov

Photos: @intheheartofthemachine.movie