Cinelibri International Film Festival invites producers to join ‘Based On Books’ adaptation forum

Film producers and writers are encouraged to attend the unique Based-On-Books (BOB) Cinema Forum in Bulgaria this autumn. Inspired by the interaction between cinema and literature, it is a major hub for film professionals who want to develop projects that are inspired by books.

BOB is part of the Cinelibri International Book-To-Film Festival (IFF), which is the most acclaimed and well-attended film festival in Bulgaria. Supported by the National Film Center and Municipality of Sofia, it is now in its 10th year and this year it takes place from 10 October to 3 November. This unique film festival selects and screens films based on or inspired by literary works. It promotes and distributes the most impressive book-to-film adaptations, predominantly European productions, and hosts an awards ceremony where films are judged by an international jury, members of which have previously included Oliver Stone, Paul Auster and William Baldwin.

Over the course of the festival, there will be 400 screenings in Sofia, 40 special events and 20 gala evenings. Each year there is a prestigious competition for a full-length feature film based on a literary work. The prize-winners are announced by an international jury composed of acclaimed actors, producers, directors, authors and screenwriters. In addition to the names mentioned above, jury members have included Ian McEwan, Jean-Jacques Annaud, David Grossman, Jiří Menzel, Volker Schlöndorff, Christopher Lambert, Guillaume Laurant, Radu Mihăileanu, Sergio Castellitto, Mika Kaurismäki, Herman Koch, David Grossman and Ildiko Enyedi.

BOB takes place over two days of the festival, bringing together a group of highly influential creative and economic figures from the world of film adaptations. The forum’s organisers aim to serve the current needs of this demographic as well as shaping the future of adaptations.

This is a huge opportunity for every producer who is looking for interesting and inspiring content for their film. Applications are invited from people who are hoping to produce a film based on a book, and who want to discover fresh literary film projects and spark new collaborations.

This year the BOB Pitches Selection will shine the spotlight on 10 captivating books that have been handpicked for being ripe for screen adaptation. A number of experienced speakers will also share their precious knowhow about the process of adaptations. In addition, authors are invited to pitch their books to film producers.

Festival director Jacqueline Wagenstein said: “It is a great pleasure for me to celebrate the 10th Cinelibri IFF! We are proud to have created this unique film festival that celebrates the bond between cinema and literature. The BOB industry days are a great addition to our already exciting slate of events.

“We would like to welcome filmmakers from all over Europe to exchange ideas with likeminded people. We’re excited to show you the power of BOB, which is the only gathering of its kind in the whole of the Balkans and promises to be an important influence in the field of adaptations.”

Producers who wish to attend can register at [email protected] until 23 August. Approved projects will receive written confirmation by 30 August. If successful, BOB will cover two nights of hospitality; full access to all festival screenings, events and industry days; and VIP cocktails and tickets to the award ceremony.