SARAJEVO 2026 Documentary Competition
Martin Genovski • Director of Bear With Me
"What I learnt during the process of making this film is that we shouldn't judge a book by its cover"
by Ana Stanic
The Bulgarian director explores human-animal friendship and the fading world of traditional circuses, approaching its problematic legacy from his own position as an animal-rights activist
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We caught up with Bulgarian director Martin Genovski at the 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival, where his feature-length documentary Bear With Me had its world premiere in the Competition Programme – Documentary Film.
Bear With Me follows 80-year-old retired circus animal trainer Maxy and her 43-year-old bear, Natasha, who share a home in a car park near Amsterdam. Through their remarkable bond, Genovski explores human-animal friendship and the fading world of traditional circuses, approaching its artistry and problematic legacy from his own position as an animal-rights activist. Present-day footage of Maxy and Natasha is interwoven with extensive archives and re-enactments featuring Maxy’s original circus costumes.
