Wow! What a night. Thank you, Jamason for your comments (above) and thank you Chicago! That was a beautiful evening at the prestigious Siskel Film Center with lovely comments from the audience, including the Consulate General of Bulgaria of Chicago who said that I have a “Bulgarian soul” and made a “human story for everyone.”  Honored.  Check out some of the press from Chicago including my appearance on Live from the Heartland,  BITelevision and BGVoice and more.  Below you can read one of my favorite responses that was posted on Facebook. I’m so grateful and humbled that this movie is sparking emotions in the audience and creating conversations.  Special thanks to a former student of mine Rafie Drencheva from AUBG (American University in Bulgaria) who joined me in the Q & A since she was the “summer help” for 4 years in Nantucket and now attending Northwestern University to get her MFA in documentary filmmaking ! The Summer Help was preceded by a short doc “Life Through The Lens” made by Igor Myakotin, another former student from AUBG, which gave another glimpse into life in Blagoevgrad through the lens of his father’s old film camera.  Igor is currently a grad student at The New School in NYC- check out his work here.  The evening was topped off by a post-screening reception of delicious Bulgarian wine and bites from Malincho Euro Market and Deli.  Thank you to all!

 

Next stop:  Rehobeth Beach, Delaware! The Rehobeth Beach Film Society is showing The Summer Help on Weds, May 17th with a discussion after featuring a volunteer from the International Student Outreach Program (ISOP).

In June, we will see you at the Duluth-Superior Film Fest on Thursday, June 2nd where we are in competition to win an award for best documentary.    And then..San Francisco!  I will be attending the SF Doc Fest on June 11 and 12th. Screening info here.

If you know anyone who lives in those areas who might be interested in seeing this film, please pass along this info to them by sharing this update.  I will be at all of those screenings and would happy to meet your family and friends!

In other news… we will most definitely be screening in New York City and Sofia in the fall. More on that later 🙂  Excited to keep sharing The Summer Help with you!

Yours in Docs,

Melody

PS:  Here is another beautiful Facebook post!