Author: Ivaylo Noyzi Tsvetkov
What do you think of Bulgarian democracy in 2025, in which it is a matter of survival not to enter the field of view of the state?
Milko Lazarov: A big question to answer. True, recently the eye is tense and alert. Which means that Frodo and Sam are nearby.
What would you say about the now everyday situation in which a few tantrums on Facebook seem to set the agenda, including on the central news? Here, you won a subsidy for a new film after "The Herd". Imagine someone on social media deciding to blurt out something against you, and this could turn into a protest.
Milko Lazarov: There is hardly any such excitement and interest in Bulgarian cinema on the networks. But yes, colorful poisonous balloons are being inflated, which decorate social platforms. Balloons filled with the fetid breath of those who inflate them. Hysteria plays its role in the new populist dramaturgy of communal living. It is possible that this comes from a longing for visibility, from the impatient desire to be noticed. Cultural impulses, after all (laughs).
What irreversible deviations has the digital revolution brought? And what is the positive thing about it?
Milko Lazarov: The digital era is just beginning. There is not a speck of novelty today that the "analog" science fiction writers have not described decades ago. An attempt at immortality and a cult of domination of the human species is imminent. The confusion of the high administration as to how and whether to regulate the rules in this new situation greatly slows down the processes. If any government regulates these processes, this will give an advantage for unchangeable power. If there is no regulation and we trust the natural course of processes, there is a threat of chaos and a change in the social model. In general, humanity is in the trap of fictitious choice. When it is calm, civil society tends to perceive itself more as an audience than as a protagonist of constructive social movements.
What would you say about the peculiar system called "Bulgarian politics", which in my opinion behaves as if it has not heard of the notorious social contract?
Milko Lazarov: I would not say that the behavior of Bulgarian politicians is driven by motives far different from those of politicians in developed democracies. Visible manifestation is a cultural matter. The model "I am simple and you are simple and that is why we like each other" is a deep revelation in our own way. Collapse into an embrace after a difficult confession. What makes the difference is the understanding of a social contract in general. Civil society defines the relationships with the political class. And this agreement between the governed and the rulers is not just an agreement, it is the core of the state. Finding the socially acceptable boundary in the Freedom-Law conflict. Here we have specific understandings of this dialogue. Oriental allafranga, if I may say so. And it will be some time before we fully realize that as citizens we have a commitment by virtue of this same social contract and it largely predetermines our future and that of our children. Then perhaps an authentic civil society will emerge that will trust its reason more than emotional embraces after shameful, insincere confessions.
Is it possible that future increasingly advanced iterations of artificial intelligence will replace human creativity – in cinema and beyond?
Milko Lazarov: I cannot judge. Certainly, human creation has already been challenged.
Is there such a thing as fast and slow cinema? Like food?
Milko Lazarov: According to my understanding of cinema, intra-film time does not obey categories such as fast and slow. If the film excites, if empathy arises for the characters, it does not matter much what the dynamics of the narrative are. It is probably the same with food.
How can a director who has decided to make "slow" and speculative cinema cope in a deafening pop culture environment, in which attention on video content does not last more than a few seconds?
Milko Lazarov: This does not entirely depend on the author. I believe that it is not possible or unlikely to create a film that is frankly in line with trends or current topics and for this film to differ from the talent and handwriting of the author. Finally, no matter how much the author has strived to comply with modernity, the film bears the specific imprint and recognition of the director. In a few words - if the author remains true to his talents, the film will win. And it will meet the audience it was meant to meet.
Can cinema and art in general today educate taste, rather than follow it? In an environment that predominantly does not understand cultural references?
Milko Lazarov: I am not convinced that it is necessary to explore young people's understanding of the world. This is more their world than mine. And they feel best what kind of world they want to live in and will fight valiantly for this wonderful new world of theirs. As we did in our wonderful new world at that time. Each with their own cultural needs. Curiosity and discovery will lead the talented on the long journey of carrying the flame forward.
Would you direct a reality TV show?
Milko Lazarov: I haven't thought about it. Under certain circumstances, I probably would.
When and how do you find time to look inward? I imagine you explore things like the French New Wave with Godard and Truffaut, Neuer Deutscher Film with Fassbinder and Herzog, Italian neorealism.
Milko Lazarov: I have never felt too busy. If something arouses my curiosity, I give myself over to this pleasure completely.
Tell me three films from the world treasury that cinema lovers must definitely watch. Besides "Transformers", of course.
Milko Lazarov: I am sure that there are lovers of "Transformers". That is how it should be. Movies differ, just like people. There are probably also special loves, just like in the real life we know. There are many films in the world's film treasury that are waiting for us to fall in love with them, and I am sure that everyone would find the joy of the intimate reciprocity between themselves and the film that is special to them.