Vesela Kazakova is a multifaceted artist, having graduated from the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts in 2000 and the University of Economics in Sofia in 2003. Her early roles in cinema and on stage earned her the prestigious debut award for best young actress in Bulgaria in 2002.
Throughout her career, Kazakova has received numerous accolades for her performances, including awards for best female actress in Bulgaria and abroad. She has also been recognized for her work as a producer, co-writer, and composer.
In 2005, Kazakova began producing theatre performances, and she went on to co-found the production company Activist38 with animation director Mina Mileva. The company's first documentary, "Because of Her," was dedicated to Kazakova's mother, who was an actress.
Kazakova is part of Producers on the Move 2020, EAVE 2013, and one of the Emerging Producers'13 in Jihlava.
Kazakova and Mileva have created a significant impact with their films, particularly "Uncle Tony, Three Fools and the Secret Service" (2013),which caused controversy and changed the archival copyrights regulations in Bulgaria. The film received eleven international awards and was selected for various prestigious festivals.
Their next documentary, "The Beast is still alive" (2016),dealt with the consequences of Communism and sparked a furore after its broadcast in Bulgaria. The film was selected for several festivals and won awards at Aegean Docs and Calcutta Cult Film Festival.
Kazakova and Mileva also produced the fiction film "Cat in the wall" (2019),which premiered at Locarno's International Competition and was part of EFA Feature Film Selection 2020. The film received several awards, including FIPRESCI Award at the 35th Warsaw Film Festival.
Their most recent fiction film, "Women Do Cry" (2021),premiered at Cannes Un Certain Regard official selection and deals with the absurd circumstances surrounding the ratification of the Istanbul convention in Bulgaria. The film has received strong selections in several festivals and won the Eurimages Audentia award at Trieste.
