Ilian Metev, the young Bulgarian director, whose documentary "Sofia's Last Ambulance" landed the Critics' Week Visionary award in Cannes this year, says the hype has exceeded his bravest dreams.

"I have been incredibly impressed by the reactions of the audience and the critics. Every time the movie was screened all people were visibly deeply moved," Metev told Dnevnik daily.

The strong emotions the film provoked showed in the long and inspiring conversations which Metev held in the framework of the festival:

"As far as the critics and the media are concerned, I have never dreamed of so much attention. Some of the most prestigious media covering what is happening in the movie world, such as Variety, Indiewire and Le Monde, published very positive reviews about our film. We are very glad to see that our efforts are appreciated and hope to give food for thought to the Bulgarian audience too," Metev added.

"Sofia's Last Ambulance" is about Bulgaria's capital Sofia and staff at its ambulances struggling to keep up with their workload. But it not only chronicles and celebrates a team of Bulgarian EMS personnel, it also provides indirect and unflattering commentary on the state of Bulgaria.

The movie follows the real lives and professional activities of its three protagonists: stoic, middle-aged Doctor Krassimir ('Krassi') Yordanov, chatterbox paramedic Mila Mikhailova and thirtyish driver Plamen Slavkov. The visages of their patients, however, are tactfully hidden.

A Bulgarian-Croatian-German co-production, it was made with support from both German and French television channels (WDR and Arte).

Critics in Cannes have commented that after its successful debut in the International Critics' Week, the movie will be a very popular pick for non-fiction festivals and upscale TV networks worldwide.

It is still not clear when the movie will be screened in Bulgaria.

MORE about the Bulgarian movie READ HERE