Javor Gardev

(b.1972, Sofia) holds MA degree in Philosophy from Sofia University, and in Theatre Directing from the Bulgarian National Academy of Theatre and Film. One of the most prominent theater directors in Bulgaria today, he has staged twenty-five theatre performances in his home country and abroad, and was awarded 14 theatre awards. He has directed radio-drama and authored performance art and video art works. His long feature debut film Zift (2008) won numerous domestic and international awards. Javor Gardev won “Silver St. George” for Best Director in Main Competition at the 30th Moscow IFF. “Zift” was part of the selections of 50 different International Film Festivals including Toronto IFF, 2008(Official Selection, Discovery). It was Bulgaria's official entry for foreign language Oscar and part of the Official Selection for the European Film Academy Awards, 2008. It was the highest grossing Bulgarian feature film for the last two decades.