Javor Gardev’s debut feature is a well-crafted thriller that uniquely combines elements of both neo-noir and Soviet pseudo-socialist art.

Wrongfully accused of murder in the pre-communist Bulgaria of 1944, Moth’s name has finally been cleared after nearly 20 years. But the city of Sofia is hardly as he left it so many years ago. Unfamiliar with the surroundings he once called home (now marked by the decay and destruction of Communism), Moth finds himself once again dodging corrupt cops in his first night of freedom. As he wanders the seedy urban streets, attempting to reestablish old relationships (including one with his sexy ex), he meets a diverse cast of outsiders and oddballs seemingly determined to lead him into more trouble. But can Moth escape from the confines of his destiny? Or -- at least -- from communism? Featuring a strong lead performance by Zahary Baharov as Moth and based on a novel by Vladislov Todorov, who also penned the script, Javor Gardev’s Zift dazzles with eye-catching black-and-white cinematography and an intense genre-driven storyline that grips to the end. (Bulgarian with English subtitles) -- Elena J. Bonomo