ABOUT THE PROJECT

LOGLINE
Stefan moves into the Bulgarian enclave in suburban Tennessee, where comical rivalries, suspicions, and hijinks conspire to come between him and his American Dream.

SYNOPSIS
Stefan arrives in Memphis. He’s left his mother back home and desperately needs to send her money. He moves in with Dima and Georgi, whose apartment is a hotel for immigrants.

We meet the women: Kalinka, an eccentric hippie, Emilia, blindly in love with her husband, and Vyara, soon to meddle into everyone’s business. The men, on the other hand, are scheming to build a moonshine distillery. They sway Stefan to stay in town, although Chicago is a distant dream he hopes to reach. Georgi takes him to get a fixer-upper car and introduces him to Iasen and Maria, the personal physicians of the entire Bulgarian community. He meets Rada, a sharp-witted woman he’s intrigued by, although this couldn’t possibly be worse timing. Stefan stumbles upon a job and starts making money. Georgi gets upset that Stefan doesn’t need him anymore. Dima is trying to make friends with her neighbors, but can’t quite fit in.

Later, Stefan finds out his mother has passed suddenly. Someone drives off with his car. He misses most of the Thanksgiving party and Rada is disappointed he doesn’t show. Chaos ensues, as Vyara’s rumor about Georgi has spread amongst the now distrusting group. The extravagant Nikita flirts her way into Bai Pesho’s arms and green card. A fight breaks out. Dima turns into a patient at the doctor’s home. Stefan hitches a ride to Chicago. He gets to see the city, but life there is different from the dream.

He begins to appreciate more of the community Georgi is trying to build. He returns, as they’ve gathered for the Day of Atonement. Vayra begs for forgiveness. Kalinka shares her telepathic secrets. Rada gives Stefan an opportunity to make up and Emilia gets a sudden surprise. They continue on, stronger together, than apart.

PROJECT TYPE Narrative Feature

DIRECTOR Tzvetana Denkova
SCREENWRITER Jordan Trippeer
PRODUCER Megan Jordan, Tzvetana Denkova