YOUTH JURY OF IFF “LOVE IS FOLLY”

This year’s mentor will be Doctor Petar Ayolov.

Doctor Petar Ayolov has two master’s degrees in Literature, and Cinema and Television and a Ph.D. in Journalism with six years of experience teaching and over 10 years of experience as a television director and writer.
Doctor Petar Ayolov is teacher’s assistant in “Radio and Television”, Journalism and Mass Communications Faculty at Sofia University, “St. Kliment Ohridski”. He leads practical exercises in experimental TV studio and video montage, as well as a course in creative writing and screenwriting. He works as director and writer in the Sofia University, “St. Kliment Ohridski” student’s channel “Alma Mater TV” since its creation in 2008. Has directed over 30 documentaries and dozens of children’s educational TV shows like “Kuku Prezarejdane”, “Proactive, “Viva Academia” and others. Supervises the production of students’ films and video projects.
As part of the Erasmus Intensive Program on Media and Television Studies in Torino, Italy, 2013-2014, Doctor Ayolov took part in a unique educational program which brought together university teachers and students from Bulgaria, the UK, Italy, Portugal, Germany and Turkey. He has lectured in the Brookes University in the UK and the Torino and Cassino universities in Italy.
When he isn’t teaching or filming, Doctor Ayolov spends his time on street photography. He is also a big cinema fan and the creator of the biggest Facebook group for film lovers in Bulgaria called “Recommend a film!”.

Yoanna Velinova – 19 years old

Recently graduated Fourth Language School Frederic Joliot – Curie in Varna
Has been practicing music since 5 years old, acting and cinematography since 16. In 2018, her short movie The Carpet participated in Platform for Young Cinematographers during Sofia Film Fest Varna.

Proficient in English, French and Spanish

Stanimir Stefanov – 19 years old

Prof. School of Economics D-r Ivan Bogorov graduate.
He sings from a very young age. He’s a participant of a number of festivals and competitions. He’s also a winner of a wide variety of awards, including “The big Varna award” for significant artistic and creative achievements as part of the Varna boys and youth choir with Darina Krosneva as conductor. He writes original music and already has one acting role in a short film

“I’ve always believed that arts are the engine of the world. Without art we would exist but just like machines, without our engine, we would be empty spaces that have no purpose. My driving force is music, cinema and theatre. They should be able make us feel different emotions like euphoria, sadness or even anger. I can’t imagine a human life that is deprieved of the power of films or songs or etc.”

Mirotsveta Tsvetkova – 19 years old

Just graduated from Frédéric Joliot-Curie 4th Language High School in Varna, learning English and Spanish.
Member of the school’s photography club.
Has been attending cinema school since last year in preparation for applying to the Krastyo Sarafov National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts.

“I am part of the new generation, which has ‘grown up in front of the screen’, but I’ve always been interested in what goes on behind it. That’s why I decided to pursue this field of work after I graduate highschool and apply to the Krastyo Sarafov National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts.”