Bulgarian Bestseller Brought to UK Book Market, Thanks to London Publisher
Great literature opens our eyes to new worlds and invites us to share in the memories and dreams of people from all walks of life. To read the work of an author from an unfamiliar land can be to see the world from a new perspective and to experience a little of the lives of these people.
The joy of discovery and the valuable insight that can be gained from reading literature in translation is recognised by London’s Istros Books, an independent publishing house focused on bringing translated fiction from Central and South-Eastern Europe to the English-speaking world. Among its latest releases is the Bulgarian bestseller, 9 Rabbits, from Virginia Zaharieva.
In her homeland, author Virginia Zaharieva is a revered academic and cultural beacon, with a record of excelling in various forms of the arts.
Marcella Detroit Records Song to Inspire Love, Faith & Hope for Belgrade Pride
American singing sensation Marcella Detroit has written a song to raise awareness and support for Belgrade Pride. The successful solo performer, who achieved international fame with the million-selling band Shakespear’s Sister, was so moved by the theme for this year’s Pride events that she penned a song called Love, Faith and Hope [listen here].
The potential for empowerment that can be found within these words inspired Marcella to pick up her guitar and compose an original song as a heartfelt message of encouragement and support to all those who live in fear or prejudice just because of how they live, love or look.
Marcella took inspiration for the song, Love, Faith and Hope, from the courage of the LGBT community in Serbia and the Western Balkans and their hopes for a better future. Click here to listen.
Cyndi Lauper, Kim Wilde & Holly Johnson Lead Singers in Support of Belgrade Pride
Cyndi Lauper, Kim Wilde and Holly Johnson are among a growing band of international singers who have added their voice to support Belgrade Pride 2012.
These multi-million selling musicians have come forward to encourage the LGBT community who intend to exercise their right to walk side by side on the streets of Serbia’s capital city.
The Belgrade Pride Parade, which is scheduled for Saturday 6 October, is still far from confirmed to go ahead. If last year’s debacle is anything to go by, when the Serbian government banned public gatherings due to ‘security issues’, organisers could be in for a bumpy ride. For that reason and more, Serbia’s LGBT community should appreciate knowing that the world is watching.
Gypsy Kings, Moustachioed Women & Belgrade Love Stories at Raindance London
Gypsy kings, moustachioed women and a ruthless gynaecologist are among the colourful characters portrayed in an impressive roll-call of contemporary Balkan films to be screened at London’s Raindance Film Festival 2012.
The cream of Balkan cinema from the past year will be brought to London as part of the international film festival’s annual showcase of the best of independent filmmaking. As befits any Balkan film list, there is also a rose-tinted story of life in the former Yugoslavia.
Almost all of these films will be receiving their UK premiere, while many have been lauded in their home territories and at prestigious festivals, such as Pula. While films come from various countries across the wider region, Slovenia is especially well represented in this year’s selection. Unusually, Bosnia does not have one entry.
