Cinelibris 2026 presents 75 films and over 40 special events
The film festival launched under the motto "Civilization of the Spectacle"„
The International Film and Literature Festival Cinelibris 2026 will be held from October 15 to November 8 under the motto "„Civilization of spectacle“". The program includes 75 films and over 40 special events, including ceremonies with international guests, themed evenings, meetings with authors, celebrations and initiatives for children and teenagers.
This year's edition will cover Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, Gabrovo, Veliko Tarnovo, Stara Zagora and Pernik. Highlights include three films from the Berlinale program, ten titles presented in Cannes, as well as five films each from the Venice and Toronto festivals. The organizers are also preparing meetings with over fifteen established artists from European and world cinema, including Oscar winners and other prestigious awards.
The official opening on October 15 will be followed by the Bulgarian premiere of „Ink“ — Danny Boyle's tense drama, inspired by a contemporary theatre play about the rise of the tabloid press and the destructive power of boundless ambition. The screening is scheduled for 7:00 PM in Hall 1 of the National Palace of Culture, immediately following the opening ceremony. The film has already been presented to an international audience in Venice.
A special place in the program is occupied by three international competitions dedicated to different forms of film art. They will honor the most impactful feature adaptation of a literary work, a short film based on a book, and a documentary production dedicated to a prominent writer. The parallel program will complement the screenings with literary premieres, educational discussions, book signings, celebrations, and events representing European cultures.
Director Jim Sheridan will head the international jury at Cinélibri 2026. It also includes Clive Russell, Jacob Ionia, Teodora Markova and Maria Jurado. They will evaluate the selected films in the competition for the most impactful screen adaptation of a literary work.
BG Radio will also be part of the festival evenings. The media outlet will welcome the guests at the opening on its yellow carpet — a symbolic gesture to talent and creativity. It will also be present at the award ceremony on November 3 in Hall 1 of the National Palace of Culture, where visitors will be able to feel the atmosphere of the festive event.
The full program, screening locations and ticket information are published on the official website of Cinelibri 2026.
With the combination of cinema, literature, and meetings with artists, the festival continues to seek the connection between great literary works and their on-screen interpretations, turning each edition into an invitation for new perspectives and shared cultural experiences.
