Cast : Maria BAKALOVA, Raltisa STOYANOVA, Ekaterina KAZAKOVA, Bilyana KAZAKOVA, Vesela KAZAKOVA
2021 / drama / Color / status : completed / long feature-film / All Rights / International collections
A mother stork is shot down from a chimney. A woman suffering from postnatal depression nearly jumps off a balcony. A girl has to deal with the stigma of HIV. A mother looks for magic in the lunar calendar. Fragility and absurdity in this contemporary Bulgarian family are set against the backdrop of violent anti gender-equality protests. Based on a true story.
After Cat in the Wall (Locarno 2019 Competition, SXSW 2020) the activist duo Mina Mileva and Vesela Kazakova (nicknamed the ‘demonic duo’) expose with Borat 2 breakthrough star Maria Bakalova the absurd yet sadly realistic contradictions in Bulgarian society.
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Press
«"Women Do Cry ’s raw, pulsating anger and some bravura performances make for an explosive drama that should win hearts and minds." "Offers a powerful, blistering indictment of Bulgaria’s attitude towards women. The trials and trauma of an extended family skillfully reflect a wider society enslaved by patriarchy, prejudice and a blind faith." "Shows an affinity with 2017’s Romanian New Wave landmark 4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days as it blends the personal and political into a provocative, compelling drama." "Feels more like a defiant rallying cry than a lecture, and matches substance and style." "Mileva and Kazakova bring out the best in a fine ensemble cast that includes Kazakova and various members of her family. Ralitsa Stoyanova makes Lora a fierce, formidable character. Borat 2 breakout star Maria Bakalova is exceptional as Sonja."»
Allan Hunter, SCREEN