Kalinka, Malinka and Stefan are three joyful, dancing bears who used to live and ‘work’ in the streets of Bulgarian towns. In this rather cruel way they were earning money for their owners, who – believe you or not – were animal lovers. This bear trio and thirty more of their fellow bears today have their home with a large pool, enough food and optimal living conditions. This was provided for them by various foundations for Eur 1.000.000. Interestingly, this reserve is located in one of the poorest parts of Bulgaria, where unemployment rate is almost 90 percent and the population is literally starving. Gypsy stories told by the employees of the reserve, most of whom are former owners of the bears, will add some flavor to this story about Bulgarian reality.
Eldora Trajkova
Eldora Traykova studied at the National Theater and Film Academy in Sofia. From 1979 to 1992 she worked for Vreme Film Studio. She has made over forty documentary films so far. Before Dancing Bear Park she made another film about bears – Of men And Bears (1996).
General sponsor
Park za tantzuvashti mechki
Bulgaria
2004, 52', video
Directed by:
Eldora Trajkova
Screenplay by:
Assen Vladimirov
Cinematography:
Emil Christov
Edited by:
Radosveta Petrova
Music:
Yag Band
Producer:
Assen Vladimirov
