Balls (2026)
Rights holder / Distributor: Dynamic Arts / bTV Studios
Balls is a 2026 Bulgarian sports comedy film directed by Lyubomir Pechev and written by Nevena Kertova and Lyubomir Pechev. It premiered in Bulgaria on October 30, 2026.
Laura is a young star of women's football, whose career ends after a serious injury. Forced to look for a new path, she accepts an unusual offer - to become a coach of an amateur men's team in Bov. Met with distrust and prejudice, Laura gradually manages to win the respect of the football players and turn them into a real team. Along with the football conflicts, the story also develops a romantic line, and the heroine must prove that her place does not depend on her gender.
Lyubomir Pechev makes his debut in feature films after gaining experience in television series, commercials, and music videos. Balls uses a familiar comedic situation, but places it in the specific environment of Balkan amateur football, where rivalry, friendship and local characters go hand in hand. The story is not limited to sports situations, but emphasizes the attitude towards women in a traditionally male environment. Screenwriter Nevena Kertova, known for her work on Glass house, Undercover and Bubble gum, adds a more serious social theme to the comedy.
Alexandra Lashkova takes on the central role of Laura and carries the brunt of the story. The actress prepared specifically for the role, undergoing intensive football training to look convincing in the scenes on the pitch. Ivan Savov, Kitodar Todorov, Marian Valev, Alex Ivanov, Krastyu Krastev and Snezina Petrova form the colorful ensemble around her. The different personalities of the football players allow the film to rely on group dynamics, rather than just one central comedic character.
Balls relies on an accessible combination of sports, comedy, romance and a clash with prejudice. Football here is not only a backdrop for jokes, but a way for the characters to gradually build trust and rethink their relationship with each other. The idea of a woman taking over a provincial men's team and gradually gaining the respect of people who initially do not accept her presence is particularly interesting. About Bulgarian cinema Balls offers a light and commercial approach to a topic that allows for both entertainment and commentary on human relationships.
