site.btaDocumentary about Bulgarian Antarctic Base to Premiere in Bulgaria on November 18

The documentary Beyond the Limit about the Bulgarian Antarctic base will premiere in Bulgaria on November 18 within the Cinemania film festival. The screening at Sofia's National Palace of Culture (NDK) will be followed by a meeting with the documentary's team, NDK said on Monday.

The documentary presents the history and life of the Bulgarian research base in Antarctica and its founder, Prof. Christo Pimpirev. The camera crew set off together with the scientists and the team of the Bulgarian naval research ship Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii and accompanied them throughout the 31st Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition. The story is told through the historical background and the eyes of Prof. Pimpirev. This was the first voyage of a Bulgarian naval research ship in the world's oceans, and it coincides with the 30th anniversary of the first independent Bulgarian expedition to Antarctica, Cinemania's team said.

According to them, Beyond the Limit is the first full-length documentary that captures the journey and life at the Bulgarian base on the Ice Continent, which for 38 years has been the only Balkan base in Antarctica. The first Bulgarian research expedition to the Ice Continent took place in the spring of 1988 and since then, Bulgaria has stood steadily on the map of maritime nations and made significant science in the World Ocean.

"This film is a special emotion for me as I experienced the 31st expedition virtually through the film. Due to a coincidence, I had to stay in Bulgaria and not leave with my team. Watching your life's work from the sidelines is a particular thrill. I am proud of everything this film shows - Antarctica as another planet, the White Mars," says Prof. Pimpirev.

"The spirit of the Bulgarian Antarctic researchers is remarkable. What they do against the backdrop of harsh weather conditions is to make history. Bulgaria will have an impact on the Ice Continent for generations to come thanks to the consistency and indomitable strength of these bright minds," says film director Elenko Kassaliyski.

Beyond the Limit will also be screened within Cinemania in Stara Zagora on November 15, in Varna on November 20, in Burgas on November 24, and in Plovdiv on November 25.