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Movie premieres in Bulgarian cinemas in June

The following is a list of movies that premiere in June 2008 in Bulgarian cinemas.
Please check local listings for screening dates and times.

Mongol
Opening June 6
A film about the early life of Genghis Khan, who was a slave before going on to conquer half the world, including Russia, in 1206. It tells of the boy and his family who have been separated by force and chased away, but succeeded to return to power. The nine-year-old Genghis goes with his father to look for a bride. While travelling in the tundra, the lad meets a girl and announces her to be his future bride, although his father does not agree with his choice. The film is a co-production by Germany, Kazakhstan, Russia and Mongolia; in Mongolian. Directed by Sergei Bodrov.

A Challenge for Viewers
Opening June 7
Over a period of 35 hours on June 7 and 8, 185 films from 27 countries will be vying for the 10 000 euro prize purse at the Sixth International Short Film Festival In the Palace, Balchik (June 23 to 29). At the Sofia pre-screenings, viewers will take part in the nominations of the films, for a semi-final selection of 10 foreign and 10 Bulgarian films. Later the international festival jury will choose from these the best foreign and the best Bulgarian film. The films have English subtitles and will be screened at The Red House for Culture and Debate.

My Blueberry Nights
Opening June 13
Elizabeth, a disenchanted young woman, embarks on a soul-searching journey to distance herself from a broken heart. As emotional wounds begin to fade, her experiences with a series of disconnected strangers lead to new and unexpected chapters in her life. From the poetic musings of a late-night cafй owner to the desperate propositions of a down-on-her-luck gambler, these individuals redefine Elizabeth’s perspectives on life, relationships and, ultimately, her own identity. Slowly, Elizabeth begins letting go of the past as she discovers a new path for herself: the one towards true love. The film is a co-production Hong Kong, China and France; in English language. Directed by Kar Wai Wong.

The Happening
Opening June 13
Philadelphia high school science teacher Elliot Moore (Mark Wahlberg) and others begin encountering breakdowns in human behaviour in major American cities that lead to chilling deaths. Moore flees from the crisis into the farmlands of Pennsylvania with his estranged wife Alma (Zooey Deschanel), their daughter Jess (Ashlyn Sanchez), and maths teacher friend Julian (John LeguizamoLeguizamo). Despite their journey, they find that the crisis is inescapable, and Moore discovers the true nature of the deaths. Directed by M Night Shyamalan.

The Incredible Hulk
Opening June 13
The Incredible Hulk tells the story of Dr Bruce Banner, who seeks a cure to his unique condition, one that causes him to turn into a giant green monster when under emotional stress. While on the run from the military, which is seeking his capture, Banner comes close to a cure. But all is lost when a new creature emerges. The Incredible Hulk is a superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character the Hulk. Directed by Louis Leterrier.

Baby Mama
Opening June 20
Successful, single businesswoman Kate Holbrook (Tina Fey) has long put her career ahead of a personal life. Now 37, she's finally determined to have a child of her own. But her plan is thrown a curve ball after she discovers she has only a million-to-one chance of getting pregnant. Undaunted, the driven Kate allows South Philly working girl Angie Ostrowiski (Amy Poehler) to become her unlikely surrogate. But the executive's well-organised strategy is turned upside down when her baby mama shows up at her doorstep with no place to live. Directed by Michael McCullers.

Sixth International Short Film Festival In the Palace, Balchik
Opening June 23
In the Palace is a competitive festival open to students and professional filmmakers. Multiple scholarships are provided for workshops, seminars and master classes. The festival aims at supporting and promoting young creators from Europe and the world – students and young professionals in film and television art. The festival provides the opportunity for professional contacts between artists and producers, at the same time educating and involving artists in joint activities in professional workshops. In the Palace will go on for a week, and all films have English subtitles.

Wanted
Opening June 27
Another June blockbuster based on a comic book, Wanted takes its plot from Mark Millar’s graphic novel series Wanted. In the film, an apathetic nobody is transforming into an unparalleled enforcer of justice. In 2008, the world will be introduced to a hero for a new generation: Wesley Gibson (James McAvoy). But Wes was the most disaffected, cube-dwelling drone the planet had ever known. His boss chewed him out hourly, his girlfriend ignored him routinely and his life plodded on interminably. There was little else for Wes to do but wile away the days and die in his slow, clock-punching rut. Until he met a woman named Fox (Angelina Jolie). Morgan Freeman also plays in this film, directed by Timur Bekmambetov.

12
Opening June 27
A remake of 12 Angry Men (1957) set in a Russian school in the war-torn republic of Chechnya. Twelve jurors are struggling to decide the fate of a Chechen teenager, who allegedly killed his Russian stepfather. The jurors include a racist taxi driver, a suspicious doctor, a vacillating TV producer, a Holocaust survivor, a flamboyant musician and a cemetery manager, thus representing the fragmented society of modern-day Russia. Amidst the battle between Chechens and Russians outside, a stray bird (a touch of New Age cinema) flies above the jurors' heads, alluding to tolerance. Directed by Nikita Mikhalkov.