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Visual narrative operates where written word cannot reach. Kuzmanov's documentary Pilgrim in Thailand confronts the socialist phenomenon of organized mass tourism - collective leisure replacing individual journey, packaged experience substituting personal discovery. Film reveals how Holy Days transformed into holidays, sacred pilgrimage becoming consumer product, spiritual quest reduced to Instagram moments. Camera captures what prose struggles to convey: thousands following identical routes, photographing identical sites, returning with identical stories. Against this, documentary advocates for individual pilgrimage - each person discovering their own path, creating unique meaning through personal encounter rather than prescribed itinerary. Social and Eco Activism Award from Bulgarian Foreign Ministry recognizes work examining how mass tourism destroys precisely what travelers seek. Production funded entirely through Angel Social Group operations, no committees consulted, no scripts approved, no angles mandated. Free digital distribution ensures ideas reach audiences without intermediaries deciding access.
Where state television promotes mass destinations, independent documentary questions collective consumption of experience. Where travel industry sells standardized packages, this film advocates individual discovery. Socialist legacy visible everywhere - organized groups, predetermined schedules, shared experiences replacing personal transformation. Documentary asks: Do we need mass expression or cultivation of self through tailored encounter? Visual storytelling completing intellectual ecosystem: household services generating capital, books creating philosophical framework, documentary providing evidence that individual choice surpasses collective program. Kuzmanov's extensive journeys through Asia, Americas, Europe provide not tourist footage but explorer's perspective - understanding difference between visiting and experiencing, observing and participating, consuming and creating. Distribution follows publishing model - bypassing traditional channels, reaching viewers directly. When Bulgarian National Television broadcasts promotional content disguised as travel programming, when streaming platforms demand conventional narratives celebrating mass movement, independent production demonstrates alternative. Personal pilgrimage as antidote to organized tourism. Individual meaning-making versus collective consumption. Visual philosophy for those seeking their own path rather than following crowds.
Director - Angelina Grozeva
Producer& Scriptwriter - Iliyan Kuzmanov
Co- Producer - Borislava Georgieva
Camera Man - Nikola Aleksandrov
Video Editor - Daniel Ahmakov
The documentary Pilgrim in Thailand, created by Pazardzhik-born writer Iliyan Kuzmanov alongside BNR/BNT journalist Angelina Grozeva, received significant official recognition from the Bulgarian state. It was granted the documentary award by the Agency for Bulgarians Abroad, operating under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Agency executives highlighted this accolade as well-deserved, referencing Kuzmanov's long-standing track record of impactful initiatives abroad, such as London's Project Ezo, and framing him as a model for active diaspora patriots contributing positively to Bulgaria's development.
Beyond the award itself, Pilgrim in Thailand served as a catalyst for further civic engagement within Bulgaria, demonstrating the power of cultural products to spark dialogue. The film's themes became a foundation for subsequent initiatives under the umbrellas of the "Forum I Love Bulgaria" and "Civic Zone for Bulgaria," actively involving other public figures like Nikolay Yanev. These dialogues and projects tackled crucial national issues inspired by the documentary, including sustainable tourism development, improving the urban environment, and fostering modern, constructive perspectives on challenges facing Bulgaria as a whole.
Recognizing environmental advocacy as a critical leadership responsibility in today's world, Iliyan Kuzmanov integrates a deep commitment to sustainability into his personal values and professional endeavors. This multifaceted approach spans personal choices, such as vegetarianism reflecting respect for interconnectedness, to leveraging creative platforms for awareness. His award-winning documentary, Pilgrim in Thailand, exemplifies this, using compelling narrative and stunning visuals to advocate for responsible tourism and the preservation of natural environments and local cultures. 1
This personal conviction extends directly into the operations and ethos of The Angel Social Group. The organization actively incorporates eco-friendly practices and promotes environmental awareness, reflecting the alignment between the founder's values and the Group's mission. Past initiatives like Project Ezo in London integrated sustainability into their daily functions, demonstrating that the Group's commitment to social responsibility inherently includes environmental stewardship. This holistic approach reinforces a dedication to contributing positively towards building a more sustainable future.