The countdown has officially begun for the third edition of Media Play, a fast-growing industry event for the audiovisual content and entertainment sector in Bulgaria and the CEE region.

Taking place at the InterContinental Hotel Sofia, Media Play 2025 will once again become a dynamic meeting point for creators, producers, distributors, and media professionals from across the region and beyond. This year’s edition promises a richer-than-ever lineup of sessions, special guests, and networking opportunities.
The organizers announced that the full program is now live on the event's website https://mediaplayfestival.tv/agenda

From local content trends and regional success stories, to European co-production strategies, creative storytelling, and market insights, this year’s sessions are set to offer a unique mix of learning, inspiration, and collaboration opportunities. Our speakers represent top media companies from over 20 countries, bringing the best of their expertise under one roof.

Program Highlights:

“Gundi – Highest-Grossing Bulgarian Movie”
April 23, 15:00–15:45 | Main Hall
Producers Ivan Hristov and Andrey Arnaudov of Medium Station (Bulgaria) will take the audience behind the scenes of Gundi: Legend of Love — Bulgaria’s 1 highest-grossing film of all time. With over 840,000 tickets sold across Europe and having doubled the admissions of Avatar 2 in Bulgaria, the session dives into the creative vision, production journey, and bold decisions that made this cinematic phenomenon possible.

“Series Co-production Panel”
April 23, 16:15–17:00 | Main Hall
With a spotlight on Operation Sabre and Mothers, this session brings together Goran Stankovich and Vladimir Tagic (This and That Productions, Serbia), Lilo Petrov (Overlock Entertainment, Bulgaria), and Anna Rohde, International Creative Executive at Beta Film (Germany), one of Europe’s leading distributors. The discussion will explore the dynamics of drama series co-production in the CEE region - highlighting the creative and strategic collaborations that help regional stories reach global screens.

“Unscripted Formats – Winning Formulas”
April 24, 16:00–17:30 | Library Hall
This exclusive masterclass by Tim Crescenti, President of Small World IFT (USA), is a true highlight for entertainment shows’ lovers! With over four decades in the business, Tim Crescenti is one of the world’s leading format acquisition and sales experts. Named a “Top Dealmaker” by Broadcast Magazine, Tim has been behind global hits like Dragons’ Den (Shark Tank) and Better Late Than Never, the U.S. adaptation of Korea’s Grandpa Over Flowers. His eye for undiscovered gems from all corners of the globe has earned him a reputation as a true trailblazer in international television. Specially for Media Play guests, Tim will share his insider perspective and proven formula for turning unscripted ideas into global successes — revealing the patterns, trends, and real-world experience that drive hit entertainment formats worldwide.

Details on more exciting sessions and speakers to be announced soon.

The organizers thank the Partners and Sponsors, whose support makes Media Play 2025 possible and truly special: Bulgarian National Film Center, bTV Media Group, Concept Studio, Graffiti Studio, Nova Broadcasting Group and NovaDocu, Agitprop, MAX (Bulgaria), and Between Media Agency.

Continuing the cooperation with the leading industry media CEETV for global coverage and hosting their exclusive screenings, Media Play is delighted to count on the media partnership of both leading Bulgarian TV groups and on the support of Boulevard Bulgaria.

Special thanks to the main partner, the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Bulgaria.

Whether you're looking for inspiration for your next big story, producing content for your country but dreaming to reach the hearts of global audiences, exploring new partnerships, or just entering the industry — join Media Play 2025!