Production began on September 19 for the new feature film “Дълговете на инспектора” (The Inspector’s Debt), marking the directorial debut of screenwriter Teodora Markova. The satirical drama centers on a 22-year-old debt collector named Niki, played by Alena Vergova, who clashes with a local police officer named Spasov, played by Zahari Baharov, after he refuses to pay what he owes. The entire filming process takes place in Pernik with municipal support.
Cast and Creative Team Behind The Inspector’s Debt
Alena Vergova and Zahari Baharov share the screen for the first time in the leading roles, backed by an ensemble cast that includes Hristo Padev, Tristan Lazarov, Kaloyan Trifonov, Gergana Pletnyova, Nadya Keranova, Ralitsa Stoyanova, and Ekaterina Kazakova. The production brings together a cross-border creative team with a screenplay penned by Teodora Markova, Nevena Kertova, and Stanislavs Tokalovs. Valdis Celmins serves as the cinematographer, reuniting with Markova following their work on television series such as “Советски дънки” (Soviet Jeans) and “Последният развод на комунизма” (The Last Divorce of Communism).
International Recognition and Festival Success
The project secured two honors at the Connecting Cottbus co-production market in Germany in November 2025, taking home the Jury Award and the Audience Award. The international jury praised the film for its authentic portrayal of a conservative society and its exploration of dwindling empathy through an unconventional protagonist. Later in May 2026, the production won a 50,000-euro award for production services from Nu Boyana Film Studios during the Marché du Film at the Cannes Film Festival, granted through a competition hosted by Female Film Club Bulgaria and Film Forge.
Did you know? “Дълговете на инспектора” is structured as a trilateral co-production involving companies from Bulgaria, Latvia, and Germany, featuring producers Martin Markov and Kristina Despotova from Mirrormind alongside international partners Uldis Cekulis of VFS Films, Clarita Kratochwil and Marcel Lenz of Ostlicht Filmproduktion, and lead actor Zahari Baharov.
Funding and Production Support
The feature film receives financial backing from the Bulgarian National Film Center, the National Film Centre of Latvia, and the Municipality of Pernik, which actively assists with local logistics and shooting locations. The project also benefits from the ongoing collaboration between Bulgarian, Latvian, and German film entities, establishing a robust framework for regional cinematic exchange.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who directs The Inspector’s Debt?
The film is directed by screenwriter Teodora Markova, marking her feature-film directorial debut.
Where is the film being shot?
The entire shooting process takes place in the city of Pernik with the support of the local municipality.
Who stars in the lead roles?
Alena Vergova stars as the debt collector Niki, and Zahari Baharov stars as the police officer Spasov.
What countries are co-producing the film?
The film is a co-production between Bulgaria, Latvia, and Germany.
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