Fotografia / Photography: Alexander Stanishev, Julian Atanassov, Kristina Nikolova. Montaggio / Editing: Anastas Petkov. Musica / Music: Ivo Dimchev. Suono / Sound: Tom Paul. Interpreti / Cast: Ivo Dimchev. Produzione / Produced by: Lunaclipse Media. Coproduzione / Co-produced by: Magic Shop.
Bulgarian queer artist Ivo Dimchev captivates audiences worldwide with electrifying shows blending singing, theatre, dance and visual art. HIV-positive, he responded to the Covid lockdowns with over 400 free, intimate home concerts. But for an artist who challenges societal norms, Bulgaria is too small, homophobic, and conservative. Ivo moves to New York, where his raw physicality takes even experimental-theatre audiences out of their comfort zones. In Hell with Ivo was screened, among others, at DOK.fest München and Sarajevo FF, where it was awarded Special Jury Award.
“I first encountered Ivo at an art space he ran in Sofia. His unapologetic presence was electric–unabashedly gay, brilliant, and wildly provocative … Ivo embodies uncompromising artistry, bringing joy and healing in times of crisis, like an angel of relief. His story is about the loneliness of the artist’s path, the high cost of integrity, and the power of art to liberate and connect.” (K. Nikolova)
Kristina Nikolova
Kristina Nikolova, born in 1980 in Sofia, grew up in a family of cinematographers. She studied Film Theory at the University of Chicago, then directed and shot award-winning shorts at NYU’s Tisch School. Her debut feature Faith, Love and Whiskey premiered at Slamdance 2012, earning a nomination from the Bulgarian Film Academy. She is a co-founder of the production company Lunaclipse Media, which produced In Hell with Ivo.
filmografia scelta / selected filmography 2012 Faith, Love and Whiskey; Premi / Awards: Slamdance FF – Miglior fotografia / Best Cinematography; Golden Rose Bulgarian Feature FF – Miglior film di debutto / Best Debut Award 2018 Wantchu cm / sf 2020 Corona Shoo Shoo cm / sf 2025 In Hell with Ivo doc.; Premi / Awards: Sarajevo FF – Premio speciale della giuria documentari / Special Jury Award Documentary
