Uncle Tony, the Three Fools and the Secret Service

Documentary which explores the power-play and intrigue underlying Bulgaria's animation history.

During the 1970s Bulgarian animation was the toast of international festivals and director Donyo Donev travelled the world collecting awards and plaudits. This debut documentary posits an alternative version of film history, arguing that a major force behind those films was never given due credit. We meet Antony Trayanov – aka Uncle Tony – in Sofia, his small flat piled high with mementos of his animation career. He talks warmly and without bitterness, but as the story unfolds we return to the paranoia and power-plays of Soviet-era Bulgaria.

This fascinating tale of authorship and survival has caused huge controversy in its home country. The film’s directors, Mina Mileva and Vesela Kazakova, will join us to talk about their experiences making the film.