Anastassya Angelova is a Bulgarian writer/director who grew up in Warsaw, Poland. She studied film at King’s College London and earned an M.A. in Directing from the Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (FAMU), completing internships on sets in Poland and Bulgaria. Her work explores coming-of-age stories centered on children facing adult challenges, often shaped by gender-based discrimination. Her graduation short film, Driving Lesson, premiered at the Sarajevo Film Festival in 2025 and continues to tour internationally. She is now based in Heidelberg, Germany, developing her debut feature and pursuing a PhD in Film and Culture Studies.

Ave Maria — When her beloved brother is arrested for a shocking crime, 17-year-old Maria must choose between her family loyalty and speaking the truth that could tear them apart.