What Makes the Cinema of Blagoevgrad Special?

Cinemax is one of the first private cinemas in Bulgaria. It was situated in Blagoevgrad in 1997 when the movie theatre had a capacity of 600 seats. 

 

“When we established the cinema, Blagoevgrad was big, young, and lively. We screened the films in what was then the Party House (Main Building of AUBG), it was the newest building in the city,” said Angel Rizov, owner of the cinema. 

 

Rizov explained that at the beginning, he faced challenges transporting the needed technology and finding films in general because of the limitations after the end of the socialist regime at the time. 

 

“We were privileged because most of the cinemas until the 2000s were still state-owned. Sometimes we screen movies months before other movie theatres. There was a lot of interest,” said Rizov. 

 

 

Almost 30 years later, despite the lowered capacity (243 seats), the owner of the cinema is trying harder than ever to sustain the magic of films. How? 

 

Streaming Services VS Cinema Experience

 

“Movies are what make up a cinema. Not the location, not the interior, it is the movies,” said Rizov. 

 

He gave as an example the Bulgarian movie Gundi: Legend of Love, which filled up the movie theatre of Blagoevgrad for the first time in 5-6 years. Rizov highlighted that the reason for the success of the movie was due to good marketing and a thrilling story. 

 

“Young people and everybody in general are searching for something that excites them.”

 

Can a movie be exciting if you watch it in the comfort of your home? 

 

According to Rizov, there is no comparison between watching a movie on a small screen (at home) while dealing with distractions like your kids yelling and the dishwasher sloshing, and experiencing it on a large screen with a professional sound system.

 

At the same time, he acknowledges the convenience of watching from home and admits to being subscribed to all streaming platforms, although mainly for informational purposes. 

 

“Superficial movies do not need the big screen,” he added. 

 

Although watching a sitcom while doing your university assignments may sound familiar, good movies deserve to be an event with a venue. 

 

Keeping Traditions Alive

 

One of the distinct features of Blagoevgrad’s cinema is its vintage vibes. 

 

“I like how they use real tickets, not a cash receipt like in the cinemas in Sofia,” said Kaloyan Doychinov, a freshman at AUBG. 

 

Not only does the cinema have tickets, but a printed weekly program, put in front of its building. Movie posters are another tradition the owners insist on keeping. On the underground floor, there is a display of 3D posters of both old and new movies. 

 

 

“It is easier and cheaper to digitize things, but we decided to keep the printed versions for as long as we can,” said Rizov.

 

“There is something magical in printing. Something that doesn’t transmit but reflects. A simple poster, the same as it was in the ‘20s.”

 

 

Another intriguing aspect of the cinema is the late screenings, which Mariam Arakelyan, a sophomore at AUBG, found surprising for Blagoevgrad. 

 

“The late screenings are significant for our cinema. Now the latest starts at 12 am,. but there was a time when the nightlife was thriving and it started at 1 am,. or even 1:30 am., “ said Mr. Rizov. 

 

State of (Hope)lessness

 

With time, things change. 

 

“I do not like the films we are screening right now,” said Rizov. 

 

According to him, part of the problem is the lack of options during the movie selection process. After the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a decrease in the production of movies, which limits the movie theatres’ programs. 

 

Except for the quantity, there has been a decline in the quality as well.

 

“Now the production of movies is so much easier, but there is no soul put into them.” 

 

Nevertheless, Rizov has not lost hope and believes the movie industry will rise up again. Until then, he will continue cherishing the cinema as the temple of art it has always been. 

 

Edited by Spasiela Gizdova and Toma Krumov