Nina Roza (2026) Movie Script
1
Hello, everyone.
We're excited to show you
the newest works in our collection,
which is perhaps one
of the most important in North America,
so it is my great honor
to curate such a collection.
Structured as a cycle,
this exhibition evokes
the collector's journey,
the amazement in his eyes,
the priceless aspect
of these works
which bear the trace
of time,
the trace of a memory.
The works comprise a dynamic landscape
whose borders...
Hello?
Hi, Dad.
Sorry, do you have two minutes?
Hold on.
- What's wrong?
- Nothing.
It's just...
Can I come home for a few days?
Can you come pick me up?
Pick you up? From where?
My house.
What's wrong though?
Nothing. I'll tell you later.
I'll set your suitcase here.
Welcome.
Thanks.
You'll be OK?
Can I fix you a sandwich?
Sure.
Thanks, Dad.
Only 8 years old,
she's already well established
in the art world.
Nina Sotirova
from the village of Karlievo
is a rising star in painting.
Her studio
is a repurposed livestock barn
where her imagination
comes bursting to life.
Her cousin posted
a video of her working,
generating
a frenzy of buzz.
Nina,
what are you doing?
Look!
Pretty, huh?
- What is it?
- The cosmos.
Hold on, what did she say?
That this one is her favorite.
I agree.
You can hear the music
of the cosmos in her work.
Every color has its own sound.
The other person says
she only sees paint.
And the girl...
calls her dumb.
She's right.
Who's the gallery owner?
Giulia Mancini. Here, I'll show you.
Here.
- You know her.
- No, I don't.
She's based in Rome.
She sold us the Godino.
So,
she just signed the girl
and will represent her,
and so far,
she hasn't sold a thing.
Tell me this is a good idea.
- A little girl?
- Not the first.
That's true.
Some child artists have been good,
most not.
Christophe,
we can't authenticate the work.
Watch the video!
The video shows nothing.
Mancini looked into everything.
It's all legit.
Mancini has her eyes closed
because it's in her best interest.
Plus, Mancini isn't Bulgarian.
In the poorer villages,
people have no choice
but to hustle to make money.
They team up together
and come up with scams.
All I can say
is you have to know who to trust,
that's all.
You're paranoid of everyone.
No, no.
We need someone to go there
to see the girl paint to make sure,
and without Mancini lurking.
I can get behind that.
You're absolutely right.
Of course I'm right.
Do you have contacts over there
who could help us?
No. It's been ages.
Unfortunately, I have no one
I can put you in touch with.
Hold on!
You should go.
You know the language and culture.
You go.
Get someone who lives there.
You just said
you can't really trust anyone there.
I'm planning your exhibit, OK?
I have no time.
Tell me you'll think about it.
Yeah, screw you.
You can add more.
What would you put here?
What color?
Right here, huh?
Thomas, finish Grandpa's drawing
and come brush your teeth.
Bulgarian child painter
What are you watching?
Sorry, didn't mean to scare you.
It's OK, I'll get over my heart attack.
I haven't seen you watch
anything Bulgarian in a while.
This is for work.
They're speaking Bulgarian...
Is that an artist?
Could be a scammer.
Her mom or dad
might be behind it.
Can't sleep?
Can you just tell me
what's wrong with Mathieu?
I dunno.
I'm...
not present anymore.
Where have you gone?
I wish I knew.
Hold on, let me see that.
Let's start at the beginning.
But this is grandpa's yard.
These are little...
photographs.
This is the sea.
This is the sea.
This is...
more of the sea.
Can I take one?
The roll may be empty.
Wait, tell me when you're ready.
Move that way.
What's this?
This is my childhood.
It's music.
It's a vinyl.
I used to listen to this all the time
with my mom.
I see.
Already making a mess, are we?
Is that what this is?
Leave those, we want to look at them.
Unbelievable.
Just unbelievable.
Don't touch!
What's the lady singing about
in the song?
She's singing marketing slogans
for a communist travel agency.
Leave them,
I want to show him pictures of Mom.
In Bulgarian, do you really say
"yes" like this...
And "no" like this?
Yes, it's a backward place.
Can he at least see Mom's photos?
Think I could learn Bulgarian one day?
My grandpa was Russian,
so should I speak Russian?
Maybe I should.
Get dressed, Thomas.
Why do we never talk about Mom?
Let me have her photos
if you don't want them.
If I don't want them...
Look, you're unwell...
- "I'm unwell"!
- You need to be reasonable.
Reasonable? It's just a question.
Why do you want your son
to speak Bulgarian?
It's useless.
- Useless?
- Yes.
Maybe if we'd visit,
it could be useful.
Ah, I see.
Maybe if you'd call your sister,
it could be useful.
Oh, my sister!
So, you drove Matt nuts...
This isn't about him right now!
...and now it's my turn, great!
I'm just trying to understand.
Who will your son speak Bulgarian to?
I'm just being honest.
What do I know?
Maybe he has a few Bulgarian friends.
Maybe you do?
Do you?
I'm asking,
do you have Bulgarian friends?
What?
See! There you go!
Exactly what I thought.
So, who would your son speak to
in Bulgarian?
To you.
I'd like him to speak it with you!
You know, I took you for a tourist.
How could I not?
You come out of the airport
and look at your phone,
trying to book a ride.
It's not in the travel guides yet,
but we booted Uber out of here.
You're from Sofia?
I'm not. I live abroad.
- Where?
- Montreal.
Crazy you never heard of it...
It was a really big deal here!
Must be your first time back
in a while.
28 years.
This is my first time here.
It's not a big tourist destination.
Got family here?
No.
- Care for a smoke?
- No, thanks.
You'll get us into a crash.
Easy! Don't worry.
I've been behind the wheel for ages.
Who's calling now? Hello?
I told you not to call.
I'm working, stop bothering me!
I'll call when I finish.
What a pain, seriously!
Come on, dude!
What's with this tractor now?
You belong in the fields, man!
Not on the road!
We've arrived,
but this idiot is blocking the way.
What's the deal, dude?
Is this tractor on its last legs
or what?
Hello!
I'm looking for Nina Sotirova.
Know her?
Good afternoon.
Hello! Sorry for interrupting.
I'm looking for a girl.
Her name is Nina Sotirova.
She should be from this village.
I'm looking for her parents actually.
I want to talk to them.
What's wrong with you?
What?
Why do you talk like that?
I think in French.
He thinks in French.
Are you French?
No.
Canadian, from Canada.
You're here all the way from Canada?
Yes.
And where exactly in Canada?
Montreal.
You can't tell me
you learned Bulgarian in Montreal.
No.
I learned Bulgarian in Sofia.
I'm from Sofia.
So, you're a Sofian?
Yes, a Sofian.
A Sofia boy.
Yes, a Sofia boy.
A Shopi, in a word.
Yes.
A Shopi thinking in French.
- Is Kremena here?
- Yes.
- Kremena?
- Yes.
This guy is looking for Nina.
What's he want?
This is my sister.
Is he another journalist?
Tell him to talk to the gallery owner.
She knows more than I do.
He's a guy from Canada.
Wandering around the village.
From Canada!
And he thinks in French.
It's complicated.
We should help him.
He's not a bad guy.
- Ever been here before?
- No.
Of course not.
I'm making tea,
should you change your mind.
No, thanks.
There you are.
I just...
can't believe
how far you've traveled to be here.
Had I known,
I'd have kept her from school.
Did you weave these rugs?
No.
I do plates.
Traditional ceramics.
I tried to teach my daughter,
but she couldn't care less.
She won't hear of it!
Help yourself!
She plays with the old paints
I don't use in my pottery.
I don't know.
Maybe she's trying to imitate me,
to emulate me.
I run a very modest operation.
Good, isn't it?
Of course!
You won't find
anything like that in Sofia.
Could I see some of your work?
My work?
Yes, but it's in the workshop
over there, in the studio.
Let's go.
- OK.
- Come on.
Do you help Nina
with her painting ever?
Me? No.
All I know how to do are...
patterns like this.
- All identical and very nice.
- Sure.
You going to mention this
in your article?
Sorry, that's the tea kettle.
I'll be right back, sorry.
What about Nina's dad?
Her dad, he...
He works abroad.
He left.
He wires money from time to time...
She hasn't seen him that much.
Two or three times.
That's it.
I very much want to see her paintings.
The gallery owner took it all.
Nothing is left here.
Ever since, my Nina hasn't wanted
to hear about painting.
When can I meet her?
She's in school the whole day.
Tomorrow?
Tomorrow is a day off.
Sure. Tomorrow is fine.
Call me.
I wanted to talk before I left.
About to take off,
I'll keep you updated.
Say Hi to Thomas for me.
Yes, I met the mother.
She's a rural woman
living a humble life.
She does ceramics.
She knows nothing about art,
unless she's a great actress.
So, things are looking up then?
No, that doesn't mean a thing.
But I'll see your mad plan through.
I meet the girl tomorrow
and can tell you more.
These don't sound like scammers.
You'll see her paint,
authenticate the works...
Try to enjoy yourself a bit.
Be a tourist?
Sure, why not?
I dunno, go out dancing,
have an ice cream,
visit a Turkish bath, whatever.
I'll finish my cigarette and be good.
I'd like to make a call.
No problem, sir.
Local or international?
Local.
Yes, sir. Just dial 9
before your call. Thank you, sir.
Hello?
Who is it?
How should I know?
Someone's there
but he's had his tongue cut out
or his jaw broken.
You moron!
People call you and don't speak!
Hey, the special guest from Canada!
Are you here to party with us?
Thanks, but I'm just passing through.
Hey there.
Perhaps now's a bad time.
Please!
You've traveled here just for her.
There's no putting this off.
No, it's just that she's so stubborn!
She's a stubborn kid, honestly.
Right, so, this way.
- Kremena!
- What is it now?
Come here a second.
I need to grab something
for the party...
She's in here, upstairs.
I'll check on something
and be right back, OK?
- What is it, Zarko?
- No napkins.
- Please!
- Not enough plates.
I'll bring some.
You were spying on me yesterday.
You're a dirty spy, aren't you?
Yes.
And I've found your hiding place.
I'm Mihail.
And you must be Nina?
Is this where you paint?
Is it true you came
from the other side of the world?
Yeah, sort of.
How long did it take?
What?
How many hours by train to get here?
I had to cross a big ocean,
and trains basically run overland,
so I came by plane.
It took ten hours, more or less.
You're rich, aren't you?
No, unfortunately.
Then why live over there?
Because that's my home.
Last night I had a dream
that the village was on fire.
Everything turned to dust.
We were all choking,
trying to save ourselves.
I sank deeper
and deeper into the ashes.
Do nightmares stop, when we get old?
No.
Nina?
I'm headed down.
Come with me.
You really are welcome.
Come join us!
It's my daughter's birthday.
She made the video of the little one.
You are here because of her!
We never get visitors here.
Tourists visit the cemetery,
but they usually leave right after.
It's the dead who keep us here.
We the living aren't much.
Don't mind the facade of a house.
Mind the people inside.
But tell me first...
Do you like rakia?
Georgi!
Sorry...
Could you open this?
I wanted to ask you something.
I'd really love
to see your daughter paint.
She's a lost cause.
I can't deal with her,
but if you want,
you can try talking to her.
Maybe you can reason with her.
Cheers!
Are you lost?
Come help me.
For a second,
I thought you were a thief.
You paint as well, huh?
Everyone here paints.
You're Nina's cousin, is that right?
Yeah. Why?
Is it a family tradition?
What?
Painting.
I guess so.
You don't sing?
Not my thing.
What's your thing?
RnB.
I always make way too much.
Our parties used to be something else.
So many people would come.
Now it's different.
Not many of us left.
It's an amazing opportunity for her,
even if we'll miss her.
Italy's not far.
Not like Canada.
Great stroke of luck for her.
Really great.
Hey, Canada!
An orchestra for you.
What welcome song can we play for you?
Celine Dion?
Good evening, our friend
Good evening, comrade
Welcome to our city
Welcome to Bulgaria!
On that lovely day
Take from me a Bulgarian rose
Let its aromatic call
Serve to remind you
Of the Balkan, of the sea
And of all of us here
All of us!
And when, young friend
And when, comrade
You leave our city
You leave Bulgaria
Dad!
Wake up!
Dad...
Dad,
wake up!
Hi, it's Christophe,
leave a message.
Hey, Christophe.
Listen,
it's looking bad for our prodigy.
Everyone in the village paints.
She's probably getting help.
It's a shame, I know.
We should drop it.
Sorry.
What are you doing here?
Are you lost?
Come here...
Go, run along to your mom.
Go!
He wanted to party too.
You sang well last night.
I haven't done anything like that
in ages.
People don't sing in Canada?
Bring that in.
Whose place is this?
Don't tell my mother.
I don't want the old witch
to take these too.
My mother also thinks we should leave,
but I never will, ever,
otherwise I'd die.
You'd die...
Do you think this country is shit?
I don't.
That's why you look at me like that.
Like what?
Like that.
No, it's just...
these people have had it very hard
for a long time.
No work, no future.
It's a difficult way to live.
So, you ran away.
Yes.
I ran to save myself.
Did you leave alone?
With my daughter Rose.
Roza.
We started calling her Little Rose
before she was even born.
And her mom?
Her Mom didn't come with you?
No.
She got very ill.
She left...
with the illness.
Ever been on a plane?
My daughter was your age
when we moved to Canada.
She was terrified of the plane.
Planes only crash in the movies.
It was her first time.
Mine too.
And you, weren't you afraid?
If you keep your eyes closed,
it's not that scary.
So, you painted all this?
Yes.
We've arrived.
Michel, hi, great to meet you.
Mancini, Giulia.
We've spoken before.
Via email, I think.
Yes, that's right.
That was actually my assistant.
Yes, sorry,
I can't stand email exchanges,
I'm old-fashioned.
Buyers rarely travel these days.
Especially not here.
I'm not used to it anymore.
Sorry, as you can see,
we're still getting settled in here.
We should have met in Rome,
it would have been a better setting
to show you all this.
I've taken in some local culture.
It's a wonderful place, you'll see.
Careful,
you'll fall in love like I did.
Well, shall we have a look?
That's why I'm here.
Amazing, huh?
She started out using ceramic paint.
Her mother makes pottery,
which was
the girl's introduction to art.
What's interesting here
is the paint she used
is derived from natural pigments.
These are regional colors
only found here where she lives.
Care to have a look?
I had no idea.
This country is full of surprises.
What Nina does
is truly amazing.
I was her first fan.
But you and I both know
that if she stays here,
she'll have no career.
Her style won't evolve.
You know how this industry is.
Soon, we won't be able
to keep playing the card
of the eight-year-old prodigy
discovered in a Bulgarian village.
What are your plans with her?
I imagine
she can learn Italian quickly
and pursue her studies in Florence
or Rome maybe.
I'll help her mother move to Italy.
With a major buyer interested
in following her career,
that can help the mom
to be financially independent,
but most importantly, Michel,
she'll have excellent cause
to emigrate.
What excellent cause is that?
To provide a better life
for her daughter.
What if Nina doesn't want to leave?
That decision will be up to her mom.
She wouldn't really be
in a position to negotiate, would she?
Her mother came to me,
not the other way around.
I'm helping them.
Michel,
I'm investing so much in this child
because I believe in her abilities,
as you do, I hope.
The dream of all artists
is to have someone
who believes in them
who'll invest in their development.
Nina only has one opportunity
to help herself and her kin.
What do you want to do?
You want to deprive her of that?
Hello.
I didn't realize you knew each other.
We don't.
I'm buying art for my boss.
We've just met.
So, is your name Mihail?
Or Michel?
Mihail.
Please smile a bit.
Thanks
You've reached Rose.
Leave me a message.
Hi, Rose, it's Dad.
I hope you're all right,
that things are shaping up.
Everything is fine here.
I leave tomorrow, already.
It feels weird to be here.
I've thought of you a lot.
Take care.
Who's that?
Back from the dead!
Viki,
remember Uncle Misho?
This is Ludmila.
Nice to meet you.
Mihail.
Toni.
Hey, Toni!
This is Grandma's brother.
Grandma doesn't have a brother.
Stop it!
Sit there, take my seat.
Pass me that chair.
Was this surprise planned?
Then it wouldn't have been a surprise.
Sit there.
Is Roza with you?
No, I'm alone, here for work.
How's she doing?
She also has a son, right?
Yes.
- He was born a year before Anton.
- How's she?
- Viki got promoted.
- Come on, stop it!
Just found out last week.
Come on.
What are you doing here?
We're very pleased you're here.
Come on.
Sit down. Don't make a scene.
I came to see you.
Excuse me?
Came to see me?
Stop it...
You don't care about me.
Mom, please, don't.
It's OK.
Otherwise you'd have called ahead
and spared me the heart attack.
Who told you
I wanted to see you, Mihail?
I have my dignity.
After all these years,
maybe I would have liked,
I don't know,
to prepare for the occasion,
go to the hairdresser,
pick out a nice outfit.
Did that occur to you?
I said did it occur to you?
Of course not.
You've only ever thought of yourself.
You've always been that way.
While I've had to manage everything!
Because I'm the eldest.
Fetch me a cigarette.
Am I wrong?
Yeah, I know, you'll say...
"I was grieving."
"I needed to start fresh."
Still only ever thinking of yourself.
Pass me the ashtray.
You know that's not true.
Really?
You think sending
money suffices?
That and calling every now and then?
I...
I was here, Mihail,
waiting for you for years.
Years.
But those days are long gone.
You're no one to me!
A ghost!
And I don't believe in ghosts anymore.
They are not welcome here.
Come on, please...
Go on, leave!
Like you always do.
Delicious.
Indeed.
Try it.
Mom's recipe.
Who cooks here now?
I do.
This is your stuff. I've kept it.
You remember Roza's radio show?
How much we laughed...
Do you remember?
No need to take everything.
Only what you want.
Why'd you do this?
I only have one brother.
Welcome back to Radio Roza!
Turning to weather,
how's it looking today?
With the westerly wind,
we should see some clear skies.
Now let's hear a song
from the band Param!
- Dad?
- What?
Can you play the vinyl for me?
Which one?
Mom's music.
You want me to play it here?
Yes, so I can listen to it at night,
while falling asleep.
Nina!
Nina, don't!
What are you doing?
So, you're friends with the witch?
I bought some of your work.
I don't care about the paintings!
Do you have a light?
I don't think that's a good idea.
I bought some of your work, Nina,
to take to Canada.
That's why I was with her.
It's in the car, you can...
- Give me your light!
- Nina, calm down!
She's trying to make me go to Italy,
but I don't want to!
I'll stay here,
I don't want to go!
I know.
You don't!
I want to stay here,
with my friends, with my family!
You can't understand that!
I know what you're going through.
You don't know what will happen to me!
I've been through this too.
I understand.
You're crying?
It's normal to be afraid.
What shall we do
with the work I bought?
Save it.
My role is usually
to support the work of the artists
and share their approach with you.
That is my responsibility
as a curator.
It comes from a Latin word
meaning "to take care of".
I take care of artworks.
That's what I've always done.
When it comes to Nina Sotirova...
I don't know.
Nina is an eight-year-old girl.
I can't talk about her paintings
without speaking for her,
without projecting my ideas,
my limitations,
my fears.
All I can do is wonder...
How to preserve
this child's spirit?
How to take care of it.
I don't know.
Have I taken good care of her?
Have I taken good care of you?
Hello, everyone.
We're excited to show you
the newest works in our collection,
which is perhaps one
of the most important in North America,
so it is my great honor
to curate such a collection.
Structured as a cycle,
this exhibition evokes
the collector's journey,
the amazement in his eyes,
the priceless aspect
of these works
which bear the trace
of time,
the trace of a memory.
The works comprise a dynamic landscape
whose borders...
Hello?
Hi, Dad.
Sorry, do you have two minutes?
Hold on.
- What's wrong?
- Nothing.
It's just...
Can I come home for a few days?
Can you come pick me up?
Pick you up? From where?
My house.
What's wrong though?
Nothing. I'll tell you later.
I'll set your suitcase here.
Welcome.
Thanks.
You'll be OK?
Can I fix you a sandwich?
Sure.
Thanks, Dad.
Only 8 years old,
she's already well established
in the art world.
Nina Sotirova
from the village of Karlievo
is a rising star in painting.
Her studio
is a repurposed livestock barn
where her imagination
comes bursting to life.
Her cousin posted
a video of her working,
generating
a frenzy of buzz.
Nina,
what are you doing?
Look!
Pretty, huh?
- What is it?
- The cosmos.
Hold on, what did she say?
That this one is her favorite.
I agree.
You can hear the music
of the cosmos in her work.
Every color has its own sound.
The other person says
she only sees paint.
And the girl...
calls her dumb.
She's right.
Who's the gallery owner?
Giulia Mancini. Here, I'll show you.
Here.
- You know her.
- No, I don't.
She's based in Rome.
She sold us the Godino.
So,
she just signed the girl
and will represent her,
and so far,
she hasn't sold a thing.
Tell me this is a good idea.
- A little girl?
- Not the first.
That's true.
Some child artists have been good,
most not.
Christophe,
we can't authenticate the work.
Watch the video!
The video shows nothing.
Mancini looked into everything.
It's all legit.
Mancini has her eyes closed
because it's in her best interest.
Plus, Mancini isn't Bulgarian.
In the poorer villages,
people have no choice
but to hustle to make money.
They team up together
and come up with scams.
All I can say
is you have to know who to trust,
that's all.
You're paranoid of everyone.
No, no.
We need someone to go there
to see the girl paint to make sure,
and without Mancini lurking.
I can get behind that.
You're absolutely right.
Of course I'm right.
Do you have contacts over there
who could help us?
No. It's been ages.
Unfortunately, I have no one
I can put you in touch with.
Hold on!
You should go.
You know the language and culture.
You go.
Get someone who lives there.
You just said
you can't really trust anyone there.
I'm planning your exhibit, OK?
I have no time.
Tell me you'll think about it.
Yeah, screw you.
You can add more.
What would you put here?
What color?
Right here, huh?
Thomas, finish Grandpa's drawing
and come brush your teeth.
Bulgarian child painter
What are you watching?
Sorry, didn't mean to scare you.
It's OK, I'll get over my heart attack.
I haven't seen you watch
anything Bulgarian in a while.
This is for work.
They're speaking Bulgarian...
Is that an artist?
Could be a scammer.
Her mom or dad
might be behind it.
Can't sleep?
Can you just tell me
what's wrong with Mathieu?
I dunno.
I'm...
not present anymore.
Where have you gone?
I wish I knew.
Hold on, let me see that.
Let's start at the beginning.
But this is grandpa's yard.
These are little...
photographs.
This is the sea.
This is the sea.
This is...
more of the sea.
Can I take one?
The roll may be empty.
Wait, tell me when you're ready.
Move that way.
What's this?
This is my childhood.
It's music.
It's a vinyl.
I used to listen to this all the time
with my mom.
I see.
Already making a mess, are we?
Is that what this is?
Leave those, we want to look at them.
Unbelievable.
Just unbelievable.
Don't touch!
What's the lady singing about
in the song?
She's singing marketing slogans
for a communist travel agency.
Leave them,
I want to show him pictures of Mom.
In Bulgarian, do you really say
"yes" like this...
And "no" like this?
Yes, it's a backward place.
Can he at least see Mom's photos?
Think I could learn Bulgarian one day?
My grandpa was Russian,
so should I speak Russian?
Maybe I should.
Get dressed, Thomas.
Why do we never talk about Mom?
Let me have her photos
if you don't want them.
If I don't want them...
Look, you're unwell...
- "I'm unwell"!
- You need to be reasonable.
Reasonable? It's just a question.
Why do you want your son
to speak Bulgarian?
It's useless.
- Useless?
- Yes.
Maybe if we'd visit,
it could be useful.
Ah, I see.
Maybe if you'd call your sister,
it could be useful.
Oh, my sister!
So, you drove Matt nuts...
This isn't about him right now!
...and now it's my turn, great!
I'm just trying to understand.
Who will your son speak Bulgarian to?
I'm just being honest.
What do I know?
Maybe he has a few Bulgarian friends.
Maybe you do?
Do you?
I'm asking,
do you have Bulgarian friends?
What?
See! There you go!
Exactly what I thought.
So, who would your son speak to
in Bulgarian?
To you.
I'd like him to speak it with you!
You know, I took you for a tourist.
How could I not?
You come out of the airport
and look at your phone,
trying to book a ride.
It's not in the travel guides yet,
but we booted Uber out of here.
You're from Sofia?
I'm not. I live abroad.
- Where?
- Montreal.
Crazy you never heard of it...
It was a really big deal here!
Must be your first time back
in a while.
28 years.
This is my first time here.
It's not a big tourist destination.
Got family here?
No.
- Care for a smoke?
- No, thanks.
You'll get us into a crash.
Easy! Don't worry.
I've been behind the wheel for ages.
Who's calling now? Hello?
I told you not to call.
I'm working, stop bothering me!
I'll call when I finish.
What a pain, seriously!
Come on, dude!
What's with this tractor now?
You belong in the fields, man!
Not on the road!
We've arrived,
but this idiot is blocking the way.
What's the deal, dude?
Is this tractor on its last legs
or what?
Hello!
I'm looking for Nina Sotirova.
Know her?
Good afternoon.
Hello! Sorry for interrupting.
I'm looking for a girl.
Her name is Nina Sotirova.
She should be from this village.
I'm looking for her parents actually.
I want to talk to them.
What's wrong with you?
What?
Why do you talk like that?
I think in French.
He thinks in French.
Are you French?
No.
Canadian, from Canada.
You're here all the way from Canada?
Yes.
And where exactly in Canada?
Montreal.
You can't tell me
you learned Bulgarian in Montreal.
No.
I learned Bulgarian in Sofia.
I'm from Sofia.
So, you're a Sofian?
Yes, a Sofian.
A Sofia boy.
Yes, a Sofia boy.
A Shopi, in a word.
Yes.
A Shopi thinking in French.
- Is Kremena here?
- Yes.
- Kremena?
- Yes.
This guy is looking for Nina.
What's he want?
This is my sister.
Is he another journalist?
Tell him to talk to the gallery owner.
She knows more than I do.
He's a guy from Canada.
Wandering around the village.
From Canada!
And he thinks in French.
It's complicated.
We should help him.
He's not a bad guy.
- Ever been here before?
- No.
Of course not.
I'm making tea,
should you change your mind.
No, thanks.
There you are.
I just...
can't believe
how far you've traveled to be here.
Had I known,
I'd have kept her from school.
Did you weave these rugs?
No.
I do plates.
Traditional ceramics.
I tried to teach my daughter,
but she couldn't care less.
She won't hear of it!
Help yourself!
She plays with the old paints
I don't use in my pottery.
I don't know.
Maybe she's trying to imitate me,
to emulate me.
I run a very modest operation.
Good, isn't it?
Of course!
You won't find
anything like that in Sofia.
Could I see some of your work?
My work?
Yes, but it's in the workshop
over there, in the studio.
Let's go.
- OK.
- Come on.
Do you help Nina
with her painting ever?
Me? No.
All I know how to do are...
patterns like this.
- All identical and very nice.
- Sure.
You going to mention this
in your article?
Sorry, that's the tea kettle.
I'll be right back, sorry.
What about Nina's dad?
Her dad, he...
He works abroad.
He left.
He wires money from time to time...
She hasn't seen him that much.
Two or three times.
That's it.
I very much want to see her paintings.
The gallery owner took it all.
Nothing is left here.
Ever since, my Nina hasn't wanted
to hear about painting.
When can I meet her?
She's in school the whole day.
Tomorrow?
Tomorrow is a day off.
Sure. Tomorrow is fine.
Call me.
I wanted to talk before I left.
About to take off,
I'll keep you updated.
Say Hi to Thomas for me.
Yes, I met the mother.
She's a rural woman
living a humble life.
She does ceramics.
She knows nothing about art,
unless she's a great actress.
So, things are looking up then?
No, that doesn't mean a thing.
But I'll see your mad plan through.
I meet the girl tomorrow
and can tell you more.
These don't sound like scammers.
You'll see her paint,
authenticate the works...
Try to enjoy yourself a bit.
Be a tourist?
Sure, why not?
I dunno, go out dancing,
have an ice cream,
visit a Turkish bath, whatever.
I'll finish my cigarette and be good.
I'd like to make a call.
No problem, sir.
Local or international?
Local.
Yes, sir. Just dial 9
before your call. Thank you, sir.
Hello?
Who is it?
How should I know?
Someone's there
but he's had his tongue cut out
or his jaw broken.
You moron!
People call you and don't speak!
Hey, the special guest from Canada!
Are you here to party with us?
Thanks, but I'm just passing through.
Hey there.
Perhaps now's a bad time.
Please!
You've traveled here just for her.
There's no putting this off.
No, it's just that she's so stubborn!
She's a stubborn kid, honestly.
Right, so, this way.
- Kremena!
- What is it now?
Come here a second.
I need to grab something
for the party...
She's in here, upstairs.
I'll check on something
and be right back, OK?
- What is it, Zarko?
- No napkins.
- Please!
- Not enough plates.
I'll bring some.
You were spying on me yesterday.
You're a dirty spy, aren't you?
Yes.
And I've found your hiding place.
I'm Mihail.
And you must be Nina?
Is this where you paint?
Is it true you came
from the other side of the world?
Yeah, sort of.
How long did it take?
What?
How many hours by train to get here?
I had to cross a big ocean,
and trains basically run overland,
so I came by plane.
It took ten hours, more or less.
You're rich, aren't you?
No, unfortunately.
Then why live over there?
Because that's my home.
Last night I had a dream
that the village was on fire.
Everything turned to dust.
We were all choking,
trying to save ourselves.
I sank deeper
and deeper into the ashes.
Do nightmares stop, when we get old?
No.
Nina?
I'm headed down.
Come with me.
You really are welcome.
Come join us!
It's my daughter's birthday.
She made the video of the little one.
You are here because of her!
We never get visitors here.
Tourists visit the cemetery,
but they usually leave right after.
It's the dead who keep us here.
We the living aren't much.
Don't mind the facade of a house.
Mind the people inside.
But tell me first...
Do you like rakia?
Georgi!
Sorry...
Could you open this?
I wanted to ask you something.
I'd really love
to see your daughter paint.
She's a lost cause.
I can't deal with her,
but if you want,
you can try talking to her.
Maybe you can reason with her.
Cheers!
Are you lost?
Come help me.
For a second,
I thought you were a thief.
You paint as well, huh?
Everyone here paints.
You're Nina's cousin, is that right?
Yeah. Why?
Is it a family tradition?
What?
Painting.
I guess so.
You don't sing?
Not my thing.
What's your thing?
RnB.
I always make way too much.
Our parties used to be something else.
So many people would come.
Now it's different.
Not many of us left.
It's an amazing opportunity for her,
even if we'll miss her.
Italy's not far.
Not like Canada.
Great stroke of luck for her.
Really great.
Hey, Canada!
An orchestra for you.
What welcome song can we play for you?
Celine Dion?
Good evening, our friend
Good evening, comrade
Welcome to our city
Welcome to Bulgaria!
On that lovely day
Take from me a Bulgarian rose
Let its aromatic call
Serve to remind you
Of the Balkan, of the sea
And of all of us here
All of us!
And when, young friend
And when, comrade
You leave our city
You leave Bulgaria
Dad!
Wake up!
Dad...
Dad,
wake up!
Hi, it's Christophe,
leave a message.
Hey, Christophe.
Listen,
it's looking bad for our prodigy.
Everyone in the village paints.
She's probably getting help.
It's a shame, I know.
We should drop it.
Sorry.
What are you doing here?
Are you lost?
Come here...
Go, run along to your mom.
Go!
He wanted to party too.
You sang well last night.
I haven't done anything like that
in ages.
People don't sing in Canada?
Bring that in.
Whose place is this?
Don't tell my mother.
I don't want the old witch
to take these too.
My mother also thinks we should leave,
but I never will, ever,
otherwise I'd die.
You'd die...
Do you think this country is shit?
I don't.
That's why you look at me like that.
Like what?
Like that.
No, it's just...
these people have had it very hard
for a long time.
No work, no future.
It's a difficult way to live.
So, you ran away.
Yes.
I ran to save myself.
Did you leave alone?
With my daughter Rose.
Roza.
We started calling her Little Rose
before she was even born.
And her mom?
Her Mom didn't come with you?
No.
She got very ill.
She left...
with the illness.
Ever been on a plane?
My daughter was your age
when we moved to Canada.
She was terrified of the plane.
Planes only crash in the movies.
It was her first time.
Mine too.
And you, weren't you afraid?
If you keep your eyes closed,
it's not that scary.
So, you painted all this?
Yes.
We've arrived.
Michel, hi, great to meet you.
Mancini, Giulia.
We've spoken before.
Via email, I think.
Yes, that's right.
That was actually my assistant.
Yes, sorry,
I can't stand email exchanges,
I'm old-fashioned.
Buyers rarely travel these days.
Especially not here.
I'm not used to it anymore.
Sorry, as you can see,
we're still getting settled in here.
We should have met in Rome,
it would have been a better setting
to show you all this.
I've taken in some local culture.
It's a wonderful place, you'll see.
Careful,
you'll fall in love like I did.
Well, shall we have a look?
That's why I'm here.
Amazing, huh?
She started out using ceramic paint.
Her mother makes pottery,
which was
the girl's introduction to art.
What's interesting here
is the paint she used
is derived from natural pigments.
These are regional colors
only found here where she lives.
Care to have a look?
I had no idea.
This country is full of surprises.
What Nina does
is truly amazing.
I was her first fan.
But you and I both know
that if she stays here,
she'll have no career.
Her style won't evolve.
You know how this industry is.
Soon, we won't be able
to keep playing the card
of the eight-year-old prodigy
discovered in a Bulgarian village.
What are your plans with her?
I imagine
she can learn Italian quickly
and pursue her studies in Florence
or Rome maybe.
I'll help her mother move to Italy.
With a major buyer interested
in following her career,
that can help the mom
to be financially independent,
but most importantly, Michel,
she'll have excellent cause
to emigrate.
What excellent cause is that?
To provide a better life
for her daughter.
What if Nina doesn't want to leave?
That decision will be up to her mom.
She wouldn't really be
in a position to negotiate, would she?
Her mother came to me,
not the other way around.
I'm helping them.
Michel,
I'm investing so much in this child
because I believe in her abilities,
as you do, I hope.
The dream of all artists
is to have someone
who believes in them
who'll invest in their development.
Nina only has one opportunity
to help herself and her kin.
What do you want to do?
You want to deprive her of that?
Hello.
I didn't realize you knew each other.
We don't.
I'm buying art for my boss.
We've just met.
So, is your name Mihail?
Or Michel?
Mihail.
Please smile a bit.
Thanks
You've reached Rose.
Leave me a message.
Hi, Rose, it's Dad.
I hope you're all right,
that things are shaping up.
Everything is fine here.
I leave tomorrow, already.
It feels weird to be here.
I've thought of you a lot.
Take care.
Who's that?
Back from the dead!
Viki,
remember Uncle Misho?
This is Ludmila.
Nice to meet you.
Mihail.
Toni.
Hey, Toni!
This is Grandma's brother.
Grandma doesn't have a brother.
Stop it!
Sit there, take my seat.
Pass me that chair.
Was this surprise planned?
Then it wouldn't have been a surprise.
Sit there.
Is Roza with you?
No, I'm alone, here for work.
How's she doing?
She also has a son, right?
Yes.
- He was born a year before Anton.
- How's she?
- Viki got promoted.
- Come on, stop it!
Just found out last week.
Come on.
What are you doing here?
We're very pleased you're here.
Come on.
Sit down. Don't make a scene.
I came to see you.
Excuse me?
Came to see me?
Stop it...
You don't care about me.
Mom, please, don't.
It's OK.
Otherwise you'd have called ahead
and spared me the heart attack.
Who told you
I wanted to see you, Mihail?
I have my dignity.
After all these years,
maybe I would have liked,
I don't know,
to prepare for the occasion,
go to the hairdresser,
pick out a nice outfit.
Did that occur to you?
I said did it occur to you?
Of course not.
You've only ever thought of yourself.
You've always been that way.
While I've had to manage everything!
Because I'm the eldest.
Fetch me a cigarette.
Am I wrong?
Yeah, I know, you'll say...
"I was grieving."
"I needed to start fresh."
Still only ever thinking of yourself.
Pass me the ashtray.
You know that's not true.
Really?
You think sending
money suffices?
That and calling every now and then?
I...
I was here, Mihail,
waiting for you for years.
Years.
But those days are long gone.
You're no one to me!
A ghost!
And I don't believe in ghosts anymore.
They are not welcome here.
Come on, please...
Go on, leave!
Like you always do.
Delicious.
Indeed.
Try it.
Mom's recipe.
Who cooks here now?
I do.
This is your stuff. I've kept it.
You remember Roza's radio show?
How much we laughed...
Do you remember?
No need to take everything.
Only what you want.
Why'd you do this?
I only have one brother.
Welcome back to Radio Roza!
Turning to weather,
how's it looking today?
With the westerly wind,
we should see some clear skies.
Now let's hear a song
from the band Param!
- Dad?
- What?
Can you play the vinyl for me?
Which one?
Mom's music.
You want me to play it here?
Yes, so I can listen to it at night,
while falling asleep.
Nina!
Nina, don't!
What are you doing?
So, you're friends with the witch?
I bought some of your work.
I don't care about the paintings!
Do you have a light?
I don't think that's a good idea.
I bought some of your work, Nina,
to take to Canada.
That's why I was with her.
It's in the car, you can...
- Give me your light!
- Nina, calm down!
She's trying to make me go to Italy,
but I don't want to!
I'll stay here,
I don't want to go!
I know.
You don't!
I want to stay here,
with my friends, with my family!
You can't understand that!
I know what you're going through.
You don't know what will happen to me!
I've been through this too.
I understand.
You're crying?
It's normal to be afraid.
What shall we do
with the work I bought?
Save it.
My role is usually
to support the work of the artists
and share their approach with you.
That is my responsibility
as a curator.
It comes from a Latin word
meaning "to take care of".
I take care of artworks.
That's what I've always done.
When it comes to Nina Sotirova...
I don't know.
Nina is an eight-year-old girl.
I can't talk about her paintings
without speaking for her,
without projecting my ideas,
my limitations,
my fears.
All I can do is wonder...
How to preserve
this child's spirit?
How to take care of it.
I don't know.
Have I taken good care of her?
Have I taken good care of you?