On the evening of June 24th, the small village of Pliska buzzed with a rare excitement. The heart of this historic village, known for its ancient ruins rather than modern entertainment, was set to host a special event—a free outdoor screening of „Getting Lost on Purpose,“ a movie by Chris Zahariev. The setting was idyllic: a cozy garden next to the Khanate Hotel, where the central square of the village extended into a lively, open area perfect for gatherings.
As the day slowly surrendered to the night, around 40 villagers, most of them youngsters, gathered, drawn by the promise of a unique movie experience under the stars. Among them were families and friends, all drawn by the whispers of the event. There was a sense of excitement in the air, a rare community gathering that offered more than just a film.
The organizers, as part of the project „Volunteering is SUPER COOL,“ had planned the evening meticulously. They aimed to bring together the community, not just to enjoy a movie, but also to spark conversations about the potential of small towns like Pliska. Before the screening began, youngsters mingled, discussing the importance of such initiatives and how they could breathe new life into rural areas.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange, the film began. „Getting Lost on Purpose“ captivated the audience with its story of three young people exploring their home country during their last summer as teenagers. The film’s themes resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom shared a connection with the small-town setting and the universal search for meaning and belonging.
During the screening, occasional laughter and the lively playfulness of children mingled with the dialogue from the movie, creating an intimate and engaging atmosphere. The restaurant nearby generously brought cherries and bottles of water, which they offered to others, enhancing the sense of community. The sweet, ripe cherries were a perfect treat, complementing the warmth of the evening and the shared experience.
The event was more than just a movie night, it was a celebration of community spirit and the beauty of simple pleasures. As the credits rolled and the last of the cherries were shared, there was a palpable sense of unity and a shared desire to see more such events in the future. Plans for future projects were discussed, with hopes of continuing to foster community connections and create more opportunities for local gatherings.
As people slowly dispersed, there was a lingering conversation about the potential for more initiatives in Pliska, about how such gatherings could foster a renewed sense of community and offer new opportunities, particularly for the younger generation.
The event, backed by the „Rights and Values“ project and funded by the Foundation „Workshop for Civic Initiatives“ (WCCI), left everyone with a warm feeling of belonging and a reminder of the power of community.
In the end, the screening of „Getting Lost on Purpose“ was not just about watching a movie, it was about finding purpose and connection in the place they called HOME.
