Private Project

Self-Portrait

Lachezar dreams of becoming an artist, but instead works a boring job. In his mind, all people look the same, and he is one of them. This changes when he sees an adult artist different from the rest. Lachezar is inspired to paint a self-portrait of himself to enter a competition organized by the artist. While painting, however, the young artist confronts his true self and must accept what makes him different from others.

  • Dess Atanasoff
    Director
  • Dess Atanasoff
    Writer
  • Boris Atanasov
    Writer
  • Dess Atanasoff
    Producer
  • Eleni Dekidis
    Producer
  • Boris Atanasov
    Key Cast
    "X"
  • Sevar Ivanov
    Key Cast
    "Lachezar"
  • Valentin Ganev
    Key Cast
    "Prof. Ognyanov"
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Автопортрет
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Fantasy, Coming of age
  • Runtime:
    15 minutes 58 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 25, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    20,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Bulgaria
  • Country of Filming:
    Bulgaria
  • Language:
    Bulgarian, English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:10
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Dess Atanasoff

Dess Atanasoff (Desislav Zherar Atanasov) was born in Pernik, Bulgaria. He has been making amateur films since he was 14 years old. He has a degree in engineering and he graduated in film directing and producing at New Bulgarian University. His student short film 'Mutual Heart' won the BUSHO 2021 PRIZE - BRONZE BUSHO in Budapest.

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Director Statement

By making this film, I'm actually trying to find the most interesting way to show the importance of believing in yourself and accepting your differences.