Geroite na Shipka / Heroes of Shipka

Produced during the Cold War, this Soviet-Bulgarian co-production celebrates the relationship between the two countries through its portrayal of the Battle of Shipka Pass during the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1978). The Battle of Shipka Pass consisted of four battles that were fought between the Russian Empire, aided by Bulgarian volunteers known as opalchentsi, and the Ottoman Empire for control over the vital Shipka Pass. The crucial moment came in August 1877, when a group of 5,000 Bulgarian volunteers and 2,500 Russian troops repulsed an attack against the peak by a nearly 40,000 strong Ottoman army. This film won the Best Director Award at the 1955 Cannes Film Festival.