BDC Discoveries is dedicated to documentary projects in development that demonstrate strong international potential and explore cross-media storytelling. The programme brings together 7 teams, each composed of a producer and a writer or director. In certain cases, directors seeking producers may also be selected. It is organised in three modules (Belgrade, Sofia, Leipzig) in partnership with Beldocs IFF and DOK Leipzig.

In order to widen the scope of our perspectives, we will also welcome 3 observers from civil society organizations, broadcasters, or film funds connected to the Balkan region. Over the years, BDC Discoveries has supported numerous standout projects, including No Place for You in Our Town by Nikolay Stefanov (Bulgaria), My Life Without Air by Bojana Burnać (Croatia), and Everything Will Not Be Fine by Adrian Pirvu & Helena Maksyom (Romania).

Statement from the artistic director of BDC Discoveries – Martichka Bozhilova:

Our team greatly appreciates the remarkable interest shown in the 2025 edition of BDC Discoveries. This year we had the pleasure to review many inspiring applications, with many creators demonstrating bold, original, and deeply personal approaches to storytelling.

The selected projects this year reflect a striking range of urgent and thought-provoking topics—from the climate crisis to deeply personal and poetic journeys of identity, heritage, and artistic transformation. We salute everyone who dared to submit their project and we urge you all to continue the further development of your ideas. And a big congratulations to all of the selected participants! We look forward to collaborating with you across all three modules of the program, as our partnership with Beldocs IFF and DOK Leipzig continues to grow and thrive.

Selected Projects for the 2025 Edition:

ALL WE HAVE IS US
Directors: Aline Juárez & Juan Donoso
Producer: Juan Donoso, Jessica Valdez, Daniela Camino, Rocio Romero
Production Company: Red Leaves Films  (Germany)

BRATSTVO
Director: Marco Schiavon
Writers: Marco Schiavon, Catarina Carvalho
Producer: Armando Andria
Production Company: Ladoc
Country: Italy

CONNECTING WITH MIT
Director: Dimitra Kouzi
Producer: Viki Zioga, Dimitra Kouzi 
Production Company:  Pheño, Kouzi Productions 
Country: Greece

LIFE ON PAUSE
Director – Anthoniy Hristov
Producer – Svetla Turnin 
Production Company – Documentary Media Foundation 
Country – Bulgaria 

RESISTING RESIDENTS
Director – Nikos Pilops
Producer – Dafni Kalafati
Production Company – FILMIKI 
Country – Greece

THE 13TH FISH
Director: Sara Stijović
Producer: Sara Stijović, Anja Kečalović
Production company: Tiny Sofa (Montenegro)
Co-producer: Jon Gojani | Kot Productions (Kosovo)
Country: Montenegro

THE MOUNTAIN HAS FALLEN
Director: Thomas Oswald
Producer: Denis Pavlovic, Julia Meyer-Pavlovic
Production Company: Glass Frog Films
Co-Producer: Red Carpet Films (In discussion) 
Country: Germany/Bulgaria

BDC Discoveries is possible with the kind support of Creative Europe MEDIA Programme, Sofia
Municipality Culture Program, and the Bulgarian National Film Center.