University of Miami

Mila from Mars ? Bulgaria ? 2004 ? Miami Premiere ? 95 min. Directed and written by: Zornitsa Sophia Richly contrasting old and new ways of life in Bulgaria, Sophia?s first feature is a hot-wired portrait of punk orphan Mila who passes her unwanted pregnancy in the company of the aged villagers of a remote town. Furnished by the octogenarians with a large house and catered to in every way, Mila gradually unwinds in this apparently healthy environment. Actually, the old folk are harvesting marijuana for Alex and are all a little stir crazy. Mila?s baby, born on Christmas day, is called Christo and hailed a small miracle at about the same time a muscular Buddhist rock-climber turns up to add the masculine affection she was lacking. Selected for the Sarajevo and Thessaloniki festivals, and featured in New Directors New Films in 2004, VARIETY credits both director and actress for her tough-edged performance.