#Dimitar Buynozov

[genevieveetguy]

We Were Young (A byahme mladi), Binka Zhelyazkova (1961)

[dweemeister]

Opening moments of Women Make Film (2018) -- narration by Tilda Swinton

In Mark Cousins’ 14-part documentary on women filmmakers, he opens with a scene from We Were Young (1961, Bulgaria), directed by Binka Zhelyazkova. Zhelyazkova was the first Bulgarian woman to direct a feature film. The poetic imagery she employed was influenced by Italian neorealism, and reflected her disillusionment with the post-World War II Communist order in Bulgaria. Throughout her career, her evolving social consciousness was always reflected in her films.

We Were Young was awarded the Golden Prize at the 1962 Moscow International Film Festival. Zhelyazkova remains relatively unknown outside of her home country.

This is the beginning of a 14-week marathon entitled #Women Make Film on this blog, appearing every Tuesday evening from 5 PM to Midnight Pacific Time. It is based on Turner Classic Movies’ (TCM) marathon of the same name and concept.