This marks the first time a Bulgarian feature-length documentary has secured a slot in the flagship programme. The ZDF broadcast is scheduled for 2027. The film is supported by the Creative Europe Media and the BNFC and is represented internationally by Autentic Distribution, a division of Germany's Beta Group, which joined the project during production. World premiere of the film is in the official selection at Sarajevo Film Festival in the documentary competition programme.

Bear With Me tells the story of retired circus artist Maxy and her rescued brown bear Natasha, who live together in a parking area near Amsterdam. The 80-year-old former wild-animal trainer is allowed to remain there with Natasha only for as long as the bear is alive.

Genovski and his crew spent three years filming the extraordinary bond between Maxy and Natasha, documenting the final chapter of their lives together. This was followed by two years of international archival research, reconstructing the protagonist's remarkable circus careers through previously unseen footage and photographs.

The film also combines documentary observation with carefully staged visual recreations. Genovski cast Bulgarian actress Martina Troanska as the young Maxy in a series of visual sequences. She appears wearing Maxy's original circus costumes, which were personally entrusted to the production by Maxy herself, creating an authentic visual bridge between the archival material and the present-day narrative.

According to producer Martichka Bozhilova, Bear With Me was made "by animal lovers for animal lovers, creating a touching portrait of the relationship between a human being and a wild animal in a cinematic and profound way, while placing it in the broader context of circus history throughout the past century."

The film is poised to become one of the most internationally visible Bulgarian documentaries of recent years. A Bulgarian theatrical release and a series of special events honouring former circus performers are also scheduled.