Anri Kulev

Professor Anri Kulev is a distinguished faculty member at New Bulgarian University (NBU), where he has served as Professor of Animation Directing since 1993 and established the Animation Film Program. His career spans over five decades as a director, artist, screenwriter, and producer across feature, animated, and documentary films. Affiliated with NBU's Department of Cinema, Advertising and Show Business, he also founded Kancelariya Film Ltd. (2014) and Kulev Film Production Ltd. (1992).

His research and creative interests focus on animation techniques, cinematic storytelling, and cultural preservation through film. Key areas include:

• Animated feature film production
• Documentary filmmaking as cultural anthropology
• Adaptation of literary works to visual media
• Sociopolitical commentary in Eastern European cinema
• Historical preservation through visual narratives
• Cross-cultural film collaborations

Kulev's extensive filmography demonstrates consistent innovation across animation and documentary genres, with recurring themes of Bulgarian cultural identity, historical memory, and social commentary. His recent works like 'A White Shoulder for a Black Man' (2024) and 'Orientirai ni, Stefanе' reflect contemporary engagement with both artistic experimentation and sociopolitical issues.

His accolades include:

• Lifetime Achievement Awards from Monstra Lisbon (2022) and Sofia Film Festival (2020)
• Golden Rhyton and Golden Vityaz awards across multiple festivals
• Honorary Citizen of Sofia (2021)
• Special Alvin Brunovsky Award at Bratislava Biennale (2000)

As an educator, Kulev has mentored generations of filmmakers through NBU's Animation Film Program while maintaining active production work. His leadership extends to directing the World Animated Film Festival - VARNA since 2011 and serving on juries at Hiroshima, Annecy, and St. Petersburg festivals. His production companies have facilitated numerous international co-productions, including collaborations with Channel 4 England and ARTE France.

Kulev maintains active creative studios through Kancelariya Film and Kulev Film Production, where he develops both personal projects and institutional collaborations. His recent theatrical work includes directing 'Lili and the Magic Bead' at the National Opera (2017), demonstrating continued cross-disciplinary engagement.