THE CRUEL WAY

Bulgaria
| 2025
| 107 min.
| Documentary

Script: Elena Ermova, Stanislav Grozdanov, Diliyan Pavlov
Director: Deyan Bararev
Cinematography: Georgi Marinov
Production: Kanina Film – Radoslav Spassov, Ivan Spassov
Supported by the Bulgarian National Film Center, Bulgarian National Television, Cloud Services “Prostor”, National Culture Fund, Bulgarian National Radio
Contact:, [email protected], Sofia, Mladost 2, Bl. 205B, Entr. 1, Fl. 7

In 1984, Bulgarian mountaineers summited Everest via the West Ridge – the deadliest route and the last successful ascent on it. This extraordinary endeavor was marked by heroism and mutual aid but also by fatal mistakes and personal crises that remained hidden for more than four decades. Until today.

Festival Selections & Awards

29th Sofia International Film Festival – Official Selection,

RIF – Special Mention and Aerovision Special Award

Bansko Film Fest 2025 – Official Selection

DEYAN BARAREV has directed award-winning short fiction films including Botev is an Idiot, Maika mi Calling, and Batmobile, screened at numerous festivals worldwide. He has also worked as a TV editor on the series Fathers, The Lies Within Us, and Brothers. The Cruel Way is his first documentary film.