"SAMODIVA"
Vanesa Milen specializes in animation, with a distinctive focus on spontaneity, raw expression, and imperfection. Her work is characterized by fluid, expressive drawings that combine humor with deeper, more meaningful themes. As a dancer, she often connects her movements to her characters, using techniques such as rotoscoping to seamlessly merge her passions—animation, dance, and acting—into a cohesive and unique artistic experience.
A key influence on Vanesa’s work is her Bulgarian heritage, which she draws from to explore themes of identity, belonging, and cultural memory. Through folklore, traditional tales, and music, she dives into the rich narratives of her homeland, bringing them to life in contemporary forms. Her short, animated film Samodiva (Самодива) is a personal exploration of this heritage. The film serves as a medium for Vanesa to reinterpret and reimagine Bulgarian folklore through her own creative vision.
Through music, dance, and storytelling, the film introduces a creature from Slavic folklore—the samodiva. The term refers to godly beings, spirits, or demons, often associated with an untamable spirit. The samodiva is an embodiment of the Bulgarian natural world, with natural disasters frequently attributed to her presence in folklore. She is an enchanting figure who comes alive at night; her presence is like a dance—graceful, flowing, and beautiful. Her "rituals" embody the very essence of movement and elegance. The samodiva has a deep connection to the magical melody of the Bulgarian kaval, a traditional musical instrument, whose enchanting sound guides the story in the animation.
The rawness of the film mirrors both the untamed nature of the samodiva and the unpredictable beauty of the natural world and folklore. Samodiva unfolds through pure visuals, accompanied by the haunting melody of the kaval, with no dialogue or fixed storyline. This approach invites a broader audience, regardless of their familiarity with Bulgarian folklore, to engage with the film and appreciate it visually.
In creating Samodiva, Vanesa not only reflects on her own cultural roots but also contributes to the ongoing conversation about how we preserve the memory of a nation and pass on cultural heritage to future generations. The film serves as both a personal expression of her love for her culture and an invitation for others to explore their own cultural identities.
With her work, Vanesa hopes to inspire others to reconnect with their roots and explore the stories that shape their sense of belonging.
