site.btaDocumentary about Bulgarian Cardiac Surgeon Prof Tschirkov Screened at European Parliament

A documentary about Bulgarian cardiac surgeon Prof Alexander Tschirkov (1938-2020) was screened at the European Parliament in Brussels on Wednesday.

Who is Professor Chirkov? is dedicated to the life and achievements of Prof Tschirkov (as he is known in the medical community due to his work in Germany) - a visionary in modern cardiac surgery. He is renowned for revolutionizing medical practices in Bulgaria by performing this country's first heart transplant in 1986 and mentoring generations of specialists. 

Before the screening, the audience was addressed by the event's organizer, MEP Kristian Vigenin (S&D), leader of the Bulgarian Socialists in the European Parliament, and by Prof Tschirkov's son, Alessandro Tschirkov.

Vigenin emphasized that the event was not politically motivated but aimed at highlighting Prof Tschirkov's significant contribution to the development of cardiac surgery across Europe.

"We decided to screen the film in the European Parliament to showcase to a broader audience what a remarkable person and doctor was born in Bulgaria," said the Bulgarian MEP. "Also, this is a place where health care is an important topic, and we believe that in this way, our messages could reach more people."

According to Vigenin, the event will have a positive impact on Bulgaria's image in Europe. "The film will demonstrate that when a person has a true calling, they can achieve great results despite the challenges, even in a very difficult environment," Vigenin told BTA.

The film's directors are Silvestar Silvestrov and Elma Neykova, who is also the screenwriter. Delyan Georgiev is the director of photography. Prof Ivo Petrov and Dr Rumen Petkov were consultants.