Beta Film and Nova TV Bulgaria announced that the drama series Shattered Bonds (original title: The Mothers) is heading this year’s Beta slate for the European Film Market at Berlinale. Shattered Bonds with The White Lotus’ Julian Kostov will be the focus of the EFM showcase “Narratives Against Rising Youth Violence” on February 18.

The Bulgarian drama (6x1h) is based on the award-winning novel The Mothers by Teodora Dimova, translated into nine languages. The series explores the painful consequences of fractured parent-child relationships and the impact on life decisions. It is produced by Overlock Entertainment and Albion Films for Nova Broadcasting Group (the prime broadcaster of the series), and with the support of the Bulgarian National Film Centre. Director was Viktor Chouchkov and as DOP served Alexander Stanishev. Shattered Bonds is also supported by UNICEF Bulgaria, which will launch the "Stand by Me" campaign to raise awareness of most important conversation - the one between children and parents.

“When parents actively listen and engage with their children - whether about their fears, dreams, daily experiences or difficult topics - they create a foundation for trust, emotional well-being, resilience and healthy development”, said UNICEF Bulgaria representative Christina de Bruin about the campaign.

Earlier Nova announced that in a special panel at Berlinale, part of the creative team of the production - one of the authors of the adaptation Lilo Petrov, screenwriter Vladislav Tinchev and actor Julian Kostov, will start a conversation on sensitive social issues, also touched upon in the series. During the discussion, other topics will be explored such as: strategies for financing productions, Bulgaria as a developing creative center and how stories can initiate change - not only by presenting a story, but also by assuming social responsibility.

The plot of The Mothers explores the problem of the broken relationship between parents and children and the consequences of the lack of emotional support. The social drama follows the stories of six children who form a relationship with their new teacher. After her arrival, grades, friendships and relationships between students begin to change. However, in every family there is a hidden or obvious problem that can lead to crushing life choices.

The Nova series is yet another proof of the media's support for the development of the film industry in Bulgaria, as well as its social commitment to socially significant topics. The roles of the parents are played by some of the most popular and beloved Bulgarian actors - Zahari Baharov, Julian Vergov, Julian Kostov, Gergana Pletnyova, Raya Peeva, Petar Antonov, Dolya Gavanski, Petya Silyanova, Martina Apostolva, Deyan Angelov and Iliyana Kodzhabasheva. The young actors Evelina Bibova, Matthew Goranov, Greta Georgieva, Svetlozar Yanakiev, Lora Akhtardzhieva, Ivan Ivanov and Yasmina Radeva.

The authors of the adaptation of the social drama The Mothers are Alexander Chobanov, Lilo Petrov and Vladislav Tinchev. The producer is Alexander Hristov, and the music is by Lyubomir Denev-son.