After nearly two months of renovation Sofia’s only mid-sized theatre, showing mostly European films, is now equipped with a new digital projector adapted for RealD 3Dcinema technology. The opening film was Pina screened in 3D with an exclusive video address by Wim Wenders followed by Life of Pi also in 3D.

SIFF director Stefan Kitanov, whose company Art Fest together with Camera is managing the theatre, told FNE, “The energy distribution system, the water conditioning and the heat supply were not repaired for nearly 40 years. Now there is a new silver screen with masking and fire doors.”

Kitanov confirmed that the budget for the upgrading was 125,000 EUR and the main sources for the 75,000 EUR funding to date are the Bulgarian National Film Center and the Media Programme. A new application, now in process, to the NFC for screenings of Bulgarian and European films under the Film Industry Act will provide the rest of the money. The completion of the Cinema House modernization requires an additional 125,000 EUR.

As owner of the hall the Union of the Bulgarian Film Makers is supporting the implementation of new technologies. ”I am glad that the largest organisation of film professionals in Bulgaria is a partner of activities which extend the number of films shown in a better way.” – said Georgy Stoyanov, president of the Union.

In addition to the Cinema House two more digitally equipped theatres will screen films during the Sofia Film Fest: the National Palace of Culture Lumière theatre and Cinema City, with 20 per cent of the festival programme to be screened digitally. The festival programme includes a special 3D National Geographic section, with films which have not yet been released in theatres.