After their late October pitch at the 2010 East European Forum in Jihlava, Bulgarian director Ilian Metev and Croatian producer Siniša Juričić will present Sofia's Last Ambulance at IDFA's The FORUM (Central Pitch), November 22 - 24, 2010.
Please click here for a reminder of all documentary projects pitched at the East European Forum.
Sofia's Last Ambulance
Director: Metev Ilian
Production company: Nukleus Film, SIA
Poslednata linecka na Sofia , Bulgaria, Croatia, 85 min, Digi Beta, Personal view
A film about the adventures of a doctor, nurse and a driver working in the emergency ambulance service in Sofia. Struggling against an avalanche of absurdities of a crumbling medical system and scarcely earning enough to make a living, these three are trying to save lives. On the backdrop of the social and political afflictions of the EU’s poorest and most corrupt member, we will be guided by our protagonists’ altruism and sense of humour. Throughout Bulgaria, financial support from the EU remains largely ineffective as the country’s state budget is absorbed by a powerful mafia. One of the most tragic casualties of the state is the medical system. After 20 years of capitalism, the number of ambulances in Sofia has dropped from 140 to 13. If you suffer a heart attack you can wait up to 5 hours for an ambulance to arrive. Where are all the ambulances?