Maria Raykova is an award-winning Bulgarian film director and screenwriter. Born in Sofia, Bulgaria in 1971, Raykova studied film directing at the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts, graduating in 1997.
Raykova is best known for her feature films, often focusing on themes of love, loss, and identity. Her first feature, “The Last Train” (2006), won the FIPRESCI Prize at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival and was nominated for a Golden Leopard at the Locarno International Film Festival. Her second feature, “The Boy Who Was a King” (2011), was awarded the Grand Prix at the Moscow International Film Festival. Raykova’s third feature, “The Summer of Sangaile” (2015), won numerous awards, including the Best Director Award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival and the Best Feature Award at the Sofia International Film Festival.
Raykova’s films often explore themes of identity, love, and loss. She often focuses on female characters, including young women coming of age. Her work often focuses on marginalized characters, exploring their relationships to the wider world. Raykova’s films often explore the complexities of human relationships and the difficulties of finding one’s place in the world.
In addition to her feature films, Raykova has also directed several short films and television series. She has been a guest lecturer at several European film schools and has had her work exhibited at numerous film festivals.
Raykova is a passionate advocate for female filmmakers in the Bulgarian film industry. She is a founding member of the Bulgarian Women in Film organization, which works to promote and support women’s presence in the Bulgarian film industry. Raykova has also served as a jury member for numerous international film festivals, including the Berlin International Film Festival.
Raykova is one of the most acclaimed Bulgarian filmmakers of her generation. Her work has earned her numerous awards and recognitions and has been exhibited at film festivals around the world. Her work continues to explore themes of love, loss, and identity, and is sure to continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.
