The junior player of VC "Dobrudzha 07" Zhivko Zidarov achieved something rarely seen in Bulgarian sports – a young volleyball player shining on the international stage in… cinema. The alumnus of the Dobrich club returned from Slovakia with the prestigious "Best Director Under 20" award from the Tatranský Kamzík 2025 international festival, proving that talent can be multifaceted when there is imagination, character, and perseverance.
Zidarov, who plays for Dobrudzha 07's U20 team and is an alumnus of the 'Leonardo da Vinci' Private School, impressed the jury with his documentary film 'The White Gold of Anhialo' – an original project that explores the cultural heritage of Pomorie through a personal and historical lens.
The Tatranský Kamzík festival is among the oldest European competitions for non-professional cinema, held since 1973 and under the patronage of UNICA – the world organization for amateur cinema affiliated with UNESCO. This is why Zidarov's award holds real international significance.
It is especially important to emphasize that the award is not for a "well-shot film," but for an overall authorial concept, dramaturgy, directorial vision, and artistic construction. In this sense, the recognition is even more valuable: we are talking about a young athlete who doesn't just shoot, but creates cinema.
| Festival | Country | Year held | Category | Awarded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tatranský Kamzík | Slovakia | 2025 | Best Director Under 20 | Zhivko Zidarov |
The data shows that the award is in one of the strongest categories for young authors. This highlights that Zidarov's film not only participated but also stood out among international competition.
The multifaceted talent of Zhivko Zidarov
It turns out that the international award in Slovakia is just another step in the development of the young talent from Dobrich. Zidarov already has participations and awards from a number of creative forums in Bulgaria. In June this year, he was among the laureates atXIV International Youth Media Festival "Harlequin"in Varna, which gathered participants from six countries.
In the recital "For Bulgaria to Exist," Zhivko Zidarov won3rd place in the VIII–XII grade age group, representing PSU
Leonardo da Vinci
another proof of his artistic talents.
The combination of volleyball and cinema seems unusual, but in this case, it turns into an advantage. Discipline, a sense of rhythm, and the ability to react under pressure
qualities that Zidarov daily develops in the hall, where he fights for every game and every saved ball in defense
are also transferred to his creative process.
Zidarov with his teammates (number 6)
Interestingly, Dobrich is increasingly emerging as a unique cradle of volleyball talents who also find expression in art. Just a few weeks ago, the legendary setter Georgi Vasilev, a former national team player and coach of the men's national team, opened his solo painting exhibition at the
