Bulgarian actress Krassimira Belev chatted about her debut movie “The Therapy,” as well as her motivations as a performer and creative.
Background on ‘The Therapy’
Her feature debut, “The Therapy,” which she wrote, produced, and starred in, premiered at the 2025 Marché du Film at Cannes.
The psychological drama follows an artist whose deeply personal work is met with severe criticism from family and peers, forcing her to confront the limits of creative vulnerability and the emotional cost of self-expression.
Shot in Bulgaria over the course of a month with a small, independent crew, the film is both a character study and an exploration of family dynamics, the weight of expectation, and the fear of failure.
How was “The Therapy” for you?
Like anything you might expect from therapy – difficult, unexpected and therapeutic. Jokes aside, this was my first feature project as a writer and producer and it was definitely a challenge.
It taught me an immense amount about filmmaking and navigating the unexpected realities of a feature production.
It tested my resilience but also lit a deeper spark for more creative projects and strengthened my willingness and desire to dive deeper into storytelling behind the camera as well.
What did you like most about your eccentric character?
The character I played was inspired by my own fears and difficult moments as an artist and a creator.
What I loved most about her was her commitment to her cause and the fact that despite repressing her creativity, it still shines through her work as a psychologist.
She’s not doing ordinary therapy – it’s risky and almost unrealistic, which actually mirrors the nature of any project a creative might do.
What inspired you each day as an actress and creative?
The importance of the message the story carries. I have a lot of experience with creative blockages in different forms – from fear of how my work will be perceived to waiting for permission, when in reality I never needed one.
I also know many talented people who are extremely hard on themselves and don’t always pursue what they want because of limiting beliefs.
This is what the film is really about, and its message is to inspire people to follow their creativity and use their time the way they always dreamed of.
Time is indeed our most precious resource, yet we rarely treat it as such. Keeping all this in mind, even when it was difficult, I felt very strongly about finding a way to overcome the challenges so this story could make it to the screen and reach the people who would resonate with it.
What do your plans for the future include?
We recently launched the Bulgarian branch of Female Film Club, a London-based platform educating and supporting women in film, together with Liza van der Smissen, Nicole Lieberman and Martin Petrov (International Film Festival Glasgow).
We currently have a collaboration with Film Forge, who are awarding a €50,000 voucher in studio space to one filmmaker, and I’m excited to see the projects that will be submitted.
I also have several projects coming up as an actress, along with a few short films and a feature currently in post-production, all due to premiere in 2026.
I’m very much looking forward to seeing all this work on screen, while also welcoming new projects and opportunities.
Additionally, “The Therapy” will make its U.S. theatrical debut in February 2026, which is something I’m truly excited about.
Were there any moments in your career that have helped define you?
Yes, I believe the most life-changing moment for me was when I decided to write and produce my very first short film.
Before that, I would often rely on other people to cast me and hope for the projects I wanted, which sometimes came with a sense of frustration and lack of control.
Once I took that step and told a story I deeply cared about through my own perspective, the feeling of freedom and fulfillment was incredible.
There is so much more than meets the eye, and being part of the entire process requires far more responsibility and time investment, but it also allows for true creativity and a sense of ownership over the work.
What is your advice for people that wish to go into the entertainment industry?
Most people who are not in the entertainment industry think they understand how it works because they watch films and read a few quotes by legendary filmmakers and actors.
This often gives them permission to ask uncomfortable questions or comment on our life choices and work.
It’s important for anyone entering the industry to know that there is much more than meets the eye, and that it’s a constant roller coaster of ups and downs. It’s ruthless, but also magical. What you see is not what it is.
In many ways, I think this is the essence of both film and the industry itself. With that said, my advice is: reduce the noise, listen to your gut, and be proactive.
Don’t wait. There’s too much happening for us to wait for someone else to create our luck.
What does the word success mean to you?
I love this question. I used to dread it in the past because I didn’t know what the answer was for me, but I’ve since discovered it.
For me, success is feeling fulfillment from the work that I do, being present, and staying focused on my own journey instead of comparing myself to others.
We can always compare ourselves for better or worse, so I believe success comes when we truly recognize our uniqueness and learn to love our own path.
What would you like to tell our readers about “The Therapy”?
Time is our most precious resource. We can never fully realize this because it’s the only resource whose absence we cannot experience.
That’s why it’s up to us to make the choices we long for and live the life we’ve always dreamed of.
To learn more about Krassimira Belev, follow her on Instagram.
