Before discovering cinema, Deyan Enicherov explored paths from information technology to medicine, photography, and even Bulgarian crafts. Now, at 20, he’s a filmmaker, drawn to visual storytelling and the complexities of human relationships. For him, cinema unites his diverse passions in one powerful medium.
As a second-year student at Bulgaria’s National Academy for Theater and Film Arts (NATFA), Deyan already has several films under his belt. One of his works, the 2024 short film Dokoga da zhiveya (How Long Should I Live?), earned him first prize in a national youth competition. Though proud of the award, Deyan sees this recognition as secondary to his broader purpose: to connect with people. From exploring generational divides to examining the nuances of democratic freedoms, Deyan uses his films to dive into subjects that resonate with people on a personal level.
His dedication to meaningful themes led him to participate in this summer’s 35 Seconds of Democracy challenge, organized by Nu Boyana Film Studios and filmmaker Chris Zahariev. His film pitch in the competition centers on a father and son and explores how differently they perceive freedom of expression. The son is perplexed by his father’s attachment to a single pair of headphones—a reminder of the father’s youth under restrictive times. “The overall message was that the choice is yours whether to hear democracy and how to hear it,” he explains.
The themes of democracy and freedom resonate deeply with Deyan, who believes freedom is more than just the absence of restrictions. “For me, freedom isn’t an excuse for disorder; it’s about turning our hearts toward others with love, regardless of who they are,” he explains. “True change won’t come through anger and revolts.” This belief reflects his conviction that real change is rooted in kindness, a lesson instilled by his mother, whom he considers his biggest influence. Raised by her, Deyan learned to value empathy, patience, and the idea that true transformation starts within society rather than politics. “Being good to each other is super important,” he says, adding that he’s encouraged to see kindness taking root in Bulgaria.
This kindness may challenge Bulgaria’s traditionally rugged Balkan character, but Deyan sees it as a needed evolution. He draws inspiration from acts of generosity he encounters across the country, especially in Bulgaria’s small villages, where people are quick to welcome guests with warmth and hospitality. “People are ready to help you, to offer food, directions, anything you need. Just being back, even after a short trip away, brings a sense of relief—it’s like, ‘Ah, I’m home.’”
A summer trip to Berlin, which he calls the “city of democracy,” opened his eyes to the role of transparency and accountability in fostering social cohesion. Captivated by the transparent architecture of Berlin’s public buildings, Deyan was impressed by how these spaces symbolize openness and trust. “What I saw were people who were calm and free,” he recalls. But he’s quick to stress that Bulgaria’s growth depends on building upon its own values and history, not by copying other models.
“I wouldn’t change anything because historical examples clearly show we’re in a process we need to go through. It’s crucial not to skip steps. If something needs changing, it must first be acknowledged so that change can follow,” he believes. To him, knowing and learning from history is the only way to avoid repeating past mistakes and to progress meaningfully as a society.
Deyan is still early in his journey, both as an individual and as a filmmaker. As he navigates his studies at NATFA, he continues to experiment with different styles and stories, searching for his own creative voice. “I’m only at the beginning of this journey.” He says he hasn’t found his voice yet, but he knows that it’s somewhere at the intersection of beauty, truth, and simplicity. His film Dokoga da zhiveya, with its human vulnerability and poetic visuals, hints at this vision. Inspired by his love for photography, he treats each frame as a piece of art, a moment meant to evoke emotions beyond words.
With his mother’s lessons close to heart, Deyan’s philosophy as a filmmaker remains simple yet profound: honor the past, nurture genuine connections, and approach the world with love. He believes this love has the potential to bring about the kind of societal change that democracy, at its core, aspires to achieve. Through cinema, he hopes to inspire others to listen, to empathize, and to embrace a vision of freedom that’s defined not by boundaries, but by an openness to one another.
The 35 Seconds of Democracy challenge was supported by the America for Bulgaria Foundation and The Convo.
