Synopsis - Cherry Kyustendilska

In the Kyustendil Basin, the cherry is not just a fruit. It is a symbol of identity, rich tradition, and economic prosperity. The documentary film tells the story of cherry production through the ironic and poetic voice of the symbolic narrator Cherry Kyustendilska, who guides the viewer through the four seasons.

Through her voice, the audience is immersed in the world of cultivating cherry orchards and discovers how much knowledge, labor, and time are required for the journey from planting the tree to harvesting the fruit. In her narrative, Cherry Kyustendilska reveals the problems faced by fruit growers and presents the views of the candidates for mayor of Kyustendil on the issue. The viewer’s journey passes through the main stages of growing cherry plantations and reaches all the way to the traditional “Cherry Festival,” organized by the local authorities to celebrate the harvest.

Along the way, the Cherry Kyustendilska shares fascinating facts from her own life, and the viewer learns why cherries grown in the Kyustendil Basin are tastier than all others, yet often remain unharvested or are processed instead. Between tradition and contemporary challenges, a portrait emerges of a community whose identity is inextricably linked to fruit tree cultivation, with traditions dating back to the time of the Roman Empire.

The film is a poetic and informative journey into the heart of the Kyustendil Basin, aptly called the Orchard of Bulgaria, dedicated to the cherry producers of the region.

I am the most delicious! I am the most cared for! I am the most important! Since time began, the people here have taken care so that me and my sisters could feel good, to live, to develop and to bear fruit.

My name is Cherry Kyustendilska and in these lands I am the center of attention!

Read about the Cherry Kyustendilska and its habitat

49 min Ι Documentary Ι 2026 Ι Bulgaria

The film is a poetic and informative journey into the heart of the Kyustendil Basin, aptly called the Orchard of Bulgaria, dedicated to the cherry producers of the region.

Cherry Kyustendilska is a personal film about a paradox I grew up with. In the Kyustendil Valley, some of the most flavorful cherries in the world are grown, yet they rarely reach consumers as fresh fruit. Instead, they are sent for industrial processing, while people eat lower-quality cherries.

While filming, local elections were taking place. This coincidence allowed me to include the voices of mayoral candidates and to place the everyday struggle of cherry producers within a broader social and political context.

The film was made independently, with my own resources, between 2023 and 2024. More than a story about agriculture, Cherry Kyustendilska is a film about value — what we grow, what we lose, and what we choose not to see.

Yaroslav Stavrev - director, cinematographer and editor of the film.

The documentary Cherry Kyustendilska is realised with the support of:

The State Archives – Kyustendil, National Agricultural Advisory Service - Kystendil, Institute of Agriculture - Kyustendil

I would like to express my gratitude to:
Professor Nedyalko Nedyalkov for allowing me to use his original music in the film, and to the lecturers at the Faculty of Arts at South-West University "Neofit Rilski" for the knowledge they imparted to me.

I would like to thank Stanislav Stoilov and Nikolay Nikiforov, who helped me save my car during the winter shoot, and everyone who contributed to the making of the film.

I would like to thank all the participants and people who contributed to the making of the film.

I would like to thank everyone who refused to cooperate and thus motivated me even more.

Last but not least, I would like to thank my family for their inspiration, patience, and understanding.

Thank you!!!

I am the most delicious! I am the most cared for! I am the most important! Since time began, the people here have taken care so that me and my sisters could feel good, to live, to develop and to bear fruit.

My name is Cherry Kyustendilska and in these lands I am the center of attention!

Read about the Cherry Kyustendilska and its habitat

49 min Ι Documentary Ι 2026 Ι Bulgaria

The film is a poetic and informative journey into the heart of the Kyustendil Basin, aptly called the Orchard of Bulgaria, dedicated to the cherry producers of the region.

Cherry Kyustendilska is a personal film about a paradox I grew up with. In the Kyustendil Valley, some of the most flavorful cherries in the world are grown, yet they rarely reach consumers as fresh fruit. Instead, they are sent for industrial processing, while people eat lower-quality cherries.

While filming, local elections were taking place. This coincidence allowed me to include the voices of mayoral candidates and to place the everyday struggle of cherry producers within a broader social and political context.

The film was made independently, with my own resources, between 2023 and 2024. More than a story about agriculture, Cherry Kyustendilska is a film about value — what we grow, what we lose, and what we choose not to see.

Yaroslav Stavrev - director, cinematographer and editor of the film.

The documentary Cherry Kyustendilska is realised with the support of:

The State Archives – Kyustendil, National Agricultural Advisory Service - Kystendil, Institute of Agriculture - Kyustendil

I would like to express my gratitude to:Professor Nedyalko Nedyalkov for allowing me to use his original music in the film, and to the lecturers at the Faculty of Arts at South-West University "Neofit Rilski" for the knowledge they imparted to me.

I would like to thank Stanislav Stoilov and Nikolay Nikiforov, who helped me save my car during the winter shoot, and everyone who contributed to the making of the film.

I would like to thank all the participants and people who contributed to the making of the film.

I would like to thank everyone who refused to cooperate and thus motivated me even more.

Last but not least, I would like to thank my family for their inspiration, patience, and understanding.

Thank you!!!

I would like to express my gratitude to:
Professor Nedyalko Nedyalkov for allowing me to use his original music in the film, and to the lecturers at the Faculty of Arts at South-West University "Neofit Rilski" for the knowledge they imparted to me.