Think Freedom

Think Freedom: Freedom is an Action

The Premiere of the short documentary ‘Think Freedom: Freedom is an Action’ gathered more than 100 people on Friday, 17 June, in the Steps in Sofia, Bulgaria. The premiere triggered massive interest, especially in the LGBTI community, as the film was featured in the Sofia Pride Film Fest, just one day before Sofia Pride.

Unfortunately, one week before the Premiere, on 13 June, Sofia Municipality, Pancharevo District refused to give citizenship and a Bulgarian birth certificate to baby Sara. This contradicts the decision of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) from 14.12.2021, whereby Bulgaria is obliged to issue a passport to baby Sara, which would ensure her right to free movement within the EU and recognize the legal relationship of the child with her two mothers. This unexpected decision caused a lot of outcry in the LGBT community in Bulgaria, while creating more buzz about the Premiere of the film, which partially tells the story of this emblematic legal case.

The Think Freedom Premiere was organized by Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, in partnership with the LGBTI organization Deystvie. The screening of the film was followed by a discussion with the main character – Denitsa Lyubenova; Veneta Limberova, Chairperson of Deystvie; and Film Director, Anna Stoeva, and Producer David Djambazov, from Tanuki Films. The discussion was moderated by Hristo Hristozov from Cinema House. The talks continued during the reception afterwards.

The short documentary ‘Think Freedom: Freedom is an Action’ tells the story of Denitsa Lyubenova, a human rights lawyer and LGBTI activist. The film shows the process behind and the emotional journey of one of the most prominent legal battles. The case for the parentage of baby SARA from her two mothers marks a historic victory and milestone for Denitsa and the LGBT organization Deystvie. The decision sets a precedent for authorities to recognize the rights of the children with same-sex parents and for the rights of LGBTI people to a family and private life.

The mission of the organization ‘Deystvie’ and Denitsa is to achieve equal rights and social inclusion for the LGBTIQ+ community in Bulgaria.

The documentary portrait is part of “Think Freedom” documentary series of Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom. It embodies the core liberal principles of freedom, choice and responsibility. The overarching theme is the main characters‘ self-determination to pursue freedom by overcoming challenges in the shrinking spaces of their democracies.