Controversy Surrounds Dismissal of Bulgarian National Film Library Director

January 7, 2026 – A wave of criticism is building following the unexpected dismissal of Antonia Kovacheva as director of the bulgarian National Film Library (BNFL) earlier today. The decision, made while the Bulgarian government is in a resignation period, has sparked concerns about political interference and the future of crucial digitization efforts.

Unjustified dismissal and Lack of Clarity

The Ministry of Culture‘s decision to remove Kovacheva has been widely criticized for its timing and lack of due process. Reports indicate that the dismissal occurred without a public competition, a legally required step for such appointments, and nearly a year after a competition was initially expected to be announced. This lack of transparency has fueled accusations of political motivation behind the move.

A Period of Conversion Under kovacheva’s Leadership

During her tenure, Kovacheva oversaw a important revitalization of the BNFL, transforming it from a struggling institution into a thriving cultural hub.Key achievements under her leadership include:

• Tripled Revenue: The film library experienced a threefold increase in income during her directorship.
• Infrastructure Improvements: A complete renovation of the administration building was undertaken.
• State-of-the-Art Digitization Center: A new, modern digitization center was established to preserve Bulgaria’s cinematic heritage.
• Film Storage Renovations: Essential renovations to the film storage facilities were initiated.

threat to Crucial Digitization Project

currently, the BNFL is engaged in a large-scale project to digitize its audiovisual archive, a critical effort to safeguard Bulgaria’s film history from deterioration. This project is particularly critically important given the fragile condition of many of the film reels. The sudden change in leadership raises serious concerns about the continuation and successful completion of this vital undertaking.Critics fear that the dismissal jeopardizes funding and implementation, especially with a new government expected to take office within a month.

Concerns Over Replacement Candidate

Adding to the controversy, reports suggest that the individual expected to replace Kovacheva lacks experience in film or archival work. This has led to fears that the BNFL’s progress will be reversed and its specialized needs will be overlooked.

Calls for reinstatement and Fair Competition

There is growing public pressure for Kovacheva to be reinstated until a legitimate and transparent competition can be held to find a permanent replacement. Many believe that allowing political interference to undermine the achievements of the BNFL sets a hazardous precedent for cultural institutions in bulgaria.

The situation remains fluid,and further developments are expected as the political landscape in Bulgaria evolves. The future of the Bulgarian National film Library and its invaluable collection hangs in the balance.