Woodpeckers

In a remote Bulgarian village, a rigid young woman, who is a virgin, decides to marry a man she has never met. She chooses him to escape her restrictive life and the expectations of her family. However, upon arrival for the wedding, she discovers her fiancé is a priest, leading to unexpected and complex emotional and spiritual turmoil.

Woodpeckers received critical acclaim for its powerful performances, evocative atmosphere, and exploration of themes such as faith, sexuality, and societal constraints. The film was praised for its artistic direction and its nuanced portrayal of a woman's struggle for agency in a patriarchal society.

• Praised for its intense and compelling performances, particularly from the lead actress.

• Lauded for its atmospheric cinematography and stark portrayal of rural Bulgarian life.

• Recognized for its bold exploration of taboo themes like repressed sexuality and religious dogma.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews is not widely available for this film.

Best Film at the Golden Rose Bulgarian National Film Festival (2017), Best Actress for Irena Krivoshieva (credited as Irmena Chichikova) at the Golden Rose Bulgarian National Film Festival (2017).

The film's director, Nadezhda Koseva, drew inspiration from a real-life story she heard, which involved a woman's unusual choice of partner and the subsequent societal reactions.