Petar Valchanov's journey began in the year 1982, when he first drew breath in the vibrant city of Plovdiv, a place that would later serve as the backdrop for his artistic development. As he grew and matured, he found himself drawn to the world of art, and so, he embarked on a path that would lead him to the prestigious Art School, where he spent several formative years refining his craft. Upon completing his secondary education, Valchanov's passion for filmmaking only intensified, and he made the bold decision to further his education at the esteemed National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts. It was here, under the watchful eye of the accomplished professor Ludmil Staikov, that Valchanov honed his skills, absorbing the wisdom and expertise of his mentor like a sponge, and gradually developing into the talented filmmaker he is today.
Petar Valchanov has had the privilege of collaborating with Kristina Grozeva on numerous creative endeavors throughout his professional journey. One of their earliest joint projects was the documentary "Parable of Life", which premiered in 2009. This was soon followed by their work on the TV movie "Forced Landing" in 2010. The duo's creative partnership continued to flourish with the production of the short film "Jump", which received widespread international acclaim. In fact, "Jump" garnered significant recognition, including a nomination for the prestigious European Film Awards at the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival in 2013.
Notably, "Jump" made a significant mark in the world of Bulgarian short films by becoming the first to earn a nomination at the esteemed European Film Awards.
This remarkable achievement was accompanied by a plethora of accolades, with the film taking home the coveted Grand Prix at the prestigious Brussels Short Film Festival in 2013.
Furthermore, "Jump" received the Excellence Award for Best Picture at the renowned Busan International Short Film Festival in 2013, solidifying its status as a standout in the international film community.
In addition to these notable recognitions, the Bulgarian Film Academy bestowed upon "Jump" the Best Short Film award in 2013, acknowledging its exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
These prestigious awards, among others, serve as a testament to the film's exceptional merit and its ability to transcend borders and captivate audiences worldwide.
Petar Valchanov and Kristina Grozeva, a talented filmmaking duo, made their feature-length debut with the impressive film "The Lesson", which was subsequently chosen for screening at two of the most prestigious international film festivals, the Toronto International Film Festival, specifically in the Contemporary World Cinema section, and the San Sebastian International Film Festival, showcasing their work in the New Directors category.
