Kristian Zahariev

Biography

Kristian Zahariev is born in Samokov, Bulgaria in 1999. He graduates in BA “ANIMATION” (2022) and MA “Animation Directing”(2024) in “NATFA Krastyo Sarafov”. His graduation short film “GARLIC SOUP”, written, directed and animated by him, has more than 20 selections in international animation and film festivals and won 4 awards ( WFAF Varna 2024 - Critic’s choice - Union of Bulgarian Artists; 44th VGIK International Student Festival – Special Diploma from the student jury; Golden Kouker 2025 – “SPECIAL MENTION” for Best Student Film. In the moment Kristian is a PhD candidate, in the cinema faculty, again in “NATFA”. He is an animator in some short animated films. Kristian Zahariev is also a teacher in animation workshops for kids and an assistant in NATFA “Krastyo Sarafov”