The inhabitants of Great Dervent, a scenic yet economically depressed Bulgarian village on the Turkish border are split by opposing responses to the Syrian refugee crisis; some are threatened by the prospect of migrants, others – such as Ivan, the titular postman and town mayoral candidate – see the welcoming of refugees as their best chance for rejuvenation.

Ivan faces stiff competition in the electoral race from a younger campaigner espousing traditional values and isolationism in a battle that serves as a microcosm of tensions simmering across Europe.

This screening is part of the IFI Documentary Festival 2017, running from September 27th to October 1st. Find out more about the festival here. 

Notes by David O’Mahony.