On 30th of May, the British Embassy in Sofia will gather representatives from the Bulgarian public and private sector to celebrate the launch of the ‘Treasures of Bulgaria’ film by British historian and TV presenter, Professor Bettany Hughes. The Embassy is proud to have supported the project since its inception. The film, part of the Treasures of the World series, examines Bulgaria’s rich and vibrant history and culture. In Varna, Professor Hughes explores a 6,000-year-old gold treasure hoard – which includes the oldest gold artefacts ever discovered, revealing the everyday lives of the people who forged one of Europe’s first cultures. With expert access to the Valley of the Thracian Kings, Bettany enters a 2300-year-old UNESCO world heritage tomb adorned with breathtaking frescos. Experiencing a fire ritual in the village of Kosti and witnessing how the Pomak community paint the faces of their brides in Ribnovo, Bettany finds how many ancient traditions still endure in Bulgaria.
At the lost Greek settlement of Heraclea Sintica she finds traces of the town’s sanctuaries, shops, a townhall, a Basilica and an ancient sanctuary for the Goddess Nemesis. Bettany’s journey also takes her to the Buzludzha Monument, a Communist era relic representing the tension between the pain of remembering the past and the danger of forgetting its lessons.
Commenting on the film, Ambassador Rob Dixon said:
‘I think the Treasures of Bulgaria has real value in enabling this remarkable country to expand beyond more-traditional beach and ski tourism and appeal to those interested in nature, history, and the mosaic of cultural influences and customs that are so well preserved and continue to live in modern day Bulgaria. For me personally, as I come nearer to the end of my four years as British Ambassador to Bulgaria, the memories of exploring this beautiful country, its rich history and stunning nature, with my friends and family are something that I will cherish forever.’
Professor Bettany Hughes said:
‘It’s been a wonderful pleasure and a privilege to make Treasures of the World – Bulgaria and to experience this country’s rich culture and history. The SandStone Global team is delighted to be back in Bulgaria filming other treasures to share with our UK and global audiences who have so loved SandStone Global’s first film and who are insisting we make more. I’d like to thank everyone involved for making the first two Treasures of Bulgaria films possible and look forward to more unforgettable times in this beautiful country and to future exciting projects.’
The Embassy has been working with a wide range of partners, including the Ministries of Tourism and Culture to encourage further people-to-people links between Bulgaria and the UK. These efforts were reflected in the signing of a Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership between UK and Bulgaria in October last year.