The script which Lazarov co-wrote together with Simeon Ventsislavov tells the story of an aged couple living in their igloo in the old Inuit way. When their daughter comes back home from Europe a clash between modern and old values breaks.

“I am interested in how these Eskimos, who survive in conditions unbearable for modern people, have succeeded in conserving the delicacy in their interpersonal relations and perceive life with smiles and sympathy,” Lazarov told FNE. Known for his minimalistic style and long shots, he intends to continue his delicate observations on human nature. 

The main cast is composed by Mikhail Aprosimov, Feodosia Ivanova, Galina Tikhonova, Sergei Egorov and Afanasy Klaev, who come from Yakutia. Most of the technical crew is Bulgarian.

Nanook is a coproduction between Bulgaria’s Red Carpet, Germany’s 42Film and France’s Arizona Films Productions, the Bulgarian National Television and ZDF/Arte. It was supported by the Bulgarian National Film Center, French CNC and German MDM.

Shooting took place in spring 2017 and lasted for 35 days. It was the first time when a Bulgarian film director worked at temperatures below 30 degrees. “The team was provided with Arctic equipment, something very important in extreme weather conditions,” Bulgarian producer Veselka Kiryakova told FNE. Mongolian production designer Agi Dawaachu, who is living in Germany for over 30 years, designed an authentic yurt, which was installed on the frozen Lena River. The film was shot by the DoP Kaloyan Bozhilov on 35 mm with anamorphic Cooke lenses. 

German Beta cinema is handling the sales.  

Production Information:

Red Carpet 
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Credits:
Director: Milko Lazarov
Scriptwriters: Milko Lazarov, Simeon Ventsislavov
DoP: Kaloyan Bozhilov
Production Designer: Agi Dawaachu
Costume designers: Vanina Geleva, Daria Dmtrieva
Cast: Mikhail Aprosimov, Feodosia Ivanova, Galina Tikhonova, Sergei Egorov, Afanasy Klaev