February

February, the new film by Kamen Kalev, who established his unique voice in Games from the East (2009) and The Island (2011), follows three periods in the life of Peter: The first, as an eight-year old shepherd, the second when he turns 18 and joins the army, and the third in his later years, at the age of 82. We follow him through the spectacular landscapes of eastern Bulgaria, under the blazing sun and in the freezing snow. Via this unique language, the Bulgarian director creates a cinematic gem, a mature, multi-layered work with spectacular visual richness. The dialogue is minimal, and Kaleb wisely uses images to sharpen the protagonist’s deep connection to the landscape and family tradition. The film was included in the 2020 Cannes Film Festival official selection.