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The Lesson

Directed by Kristina Grozeva, Petar Valchanov
Film Movement
2014
105 Minutes
Bulgaria
Bulgarian
Thriller, Drama
Eastern European, Gender Studies, Social Justice, Women Directors
Not Rated
Library Pricing:
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PPR $200.00
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DRL $499.00
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PPR+DRL $599.00
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To submit an order, request a preview screener, or ask a question contact Erin Farrell

In a small Bulgarian town, Nade is an honest, hard-working elementary school teacher and devoted mother, struggling to keep her life together. Her unemployed, alcoholic husband has secretly spent their mortgage payments on booze, the agency where she translates legal documents for extra cash is going under, and a thief in her class has stolen the last of her money out of her purse. With few options left, Nade turns to a local loan shark for help, but with the reposession of her home looming, she finds herself with little hope. Resorting to measures her former self would have found depraved, Nade attempts one last desperate act to get the money she needs.

"Recommended" - Video Librarian

Cast

  • Ivan Barnev
  • Ivanka Bratoeva
  • Stefan Denolyubov
  • Margita Gosheva
DVD Features

Bonus short: Crooked Candy, directed by Andrew Rodgers

Sound: Stereo 2.0 and 5.1 Surround Sound

Discs: 1

  • Highest Rating
    "Wickedly visceral! Tough, gripping, emotionally rewarding through trenchant plotting!"
    Aaron Hillis, Village Voice
  • Highest Rating
    "The film ultimately understands poverty as a profound and often irreversible desolation of terra firma."
    Slant Magazine
  • Highest Rating
    "Quietly compelling human drama... (with) a commanding central performance from Margita Gosheva... You become completely captivated by her refusal to surrender to her fate."
    Allan Hunter, Screen Daily

Gallery

Awards & Recognition

Winner
Ingmar Berman Award
Goteborg Film Festival
Winner
New Directors Award
San Sebastian Film Festival
Official Selection
Toronto Int'l Film Festival
Official Selection
San Sebastian Film Festival
Official Selection
Reykjavik Film Festival
Official Selection
Warsaw Film Festival
Official Selection
Tokyo Film Festival
Official Selection
Palm Springs Film Festival
Official Selection
Goteborg Film Festival

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