BLOG · Review: “Black Money for White Nights”

Written by Sofi Avetisyan
Master Film and Photographic Studies at Leiden University

Black Money for White Nights is a 2026 Bulgarian-Greek tragicomedy, directed by Kristina Grozeva and Petar Valchanov. It follows the story of Marina and Gosha, a couple in their sixties who have spent years to save enough money to travel to Saint Petersburg and witness the White Nights, which is Marina’s lifelong dream. 

They both use their work positions as an opportunity to collect bribes to add to their savings, so when they finally have enough to make the trip, their initial excitement is dimmed by the daily news. A TV broadcast informs them about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and how flights from Europe to Russia won’t be possible. Shocked at first, they soon default to selfishness, as for Marina, this trip turns out to be about more than just seeing the White Nights. She also wants to explore her family’s roots, which is something she wishes to know better. Consequently, she sees the current political situation as an obstacle to the fulfilment of the lifelong dream, rather than a serious humanitarian event. When they proceed with their plans, Marina and Gosha realise that their dream might not come true, when their savings get caught up in a travel scam and their family dynamics, beliefs and morals get tested. 

Black Money for White Nights portrays the complexity of how unethically sourced money can negatively affect relationships, family and work, while approaching themes of corruption, morals and human relations, with the typical Bulgarian sense of humour and self-ironisation.

If you want to watch the film, get your tickets for the screenings during the ENFF this year!

Saturday 7 November 19:15
Sunday 8 November 14:45