"The Big Boom!", a documentary about gun factory workers, picked up by Lightdox ahead of the IDFA screening (Exclusive)

LightDox has acquired the worldwide rights to "The Big Boom!", the latest documentary by Swiss filmmaker Gabriel Tejdor, ahead of its world premiere at IDFA's Frontlight program. The film explores the contradictions of a Bulgarian town drawn into Europe's shifting geopolitical order, where arms production for Ukraine's front lines collides with enduring ties to Russia.

LightDox has acquired the worldwide rights to "The Big Boom!", the latest documentary by Swiss filmmaker Gabriel Tejdor, ahead of its world premiere at IDFA's Frontlight program.

The film explores the contradictions of a Bulgarian town drawn into Europe's shifting geopolitical order, where arms production for Ukraine's front lines collides with enduring relations with Russia, personal convictions, and the everyday need for survival. Related stories "The Boss Simpsons" season one guest stars Emma Thompson and Colin Jost. 'Treehouse of Horror' spoilers; Jack in the Box Easter egg and video update

In Kazanlak, known as Bulgaria's "valley of roses", there is rose oil production and folklore traditions alongside a large arms industry. The Arsenal factory, the city's main employer, provides work for thousands of people who manufacture weapons and ammunition. Through the lives of four residents, Taddor explores the industry's place in the city's economy and identity, and raises questions for those whose lives depend on it. Popular in Variety

"I have never been interested in war or weapons. But the attack on Ukraine shattered my beliefs," Tajdur said. Since then, one question has haunted my mind: What does it mean to be a pacifist today? I'm not judging the Arsenal workers or the local crowd.

"Great Boom!" "It is not looking for a lecture, but it is looking to confront the gray areas of a continent that is trapped in its own paradoxes."

“Big boom!” said Anna Bertolt, CEO of Lightdox. It confronts us with a conflict at the heart of Europe today – a city that builds weapons of war while grappling with its loyalties and beliefs.

Gabriel Tejdor finds a way to enter into a reality that is both bright-eyed and deeply human. As someone of Bulgarian descent, I find his sensitive portrayal of Kazanlak and its people very meaningful. "He reveals the layers of history, identity and geopolitical influence that shape the region without reducing them to a political debate."

Tajdur is a Swiss filmmaker and journalist whose work explores utopias and the relationship between people and power throughout the former Soviet Union and its satellite states.

"Big Boom!" It is his fifth feature film after "Rue Mayskaya" (nominated for Visions du Réel and IDFA) and "Kombinat" (nominated for Visions du Réel).

"Big Boom!" It is produced by Mira Film Basel GmbH and co-produced by RTS Radio Télévision Suisse and SRG SSR with the support of Swiss and regional film funds and cultural institutions.