The eleventh edition of So Independent, the first ever yearly Bulgarian film showcase outside of Bulgaria, will open in New York on Monday.

A platform for the most successful Bulgarian filmmakers and a cultural bridge between the United States and Bulgaria, this year's edition of the festival will be held under the patronage of Bulgaria’s President  Rosen Plevneliev.

The festival will open with the Bulgarian Oscar contender for 2015, The Judgement directed by Stefan Comandarev. The film won the Best Movie award at the Golden Rose International Film Festival in Varna last year.

On Wednesday, President Plevneliev will host the screening of The Lesson, the most successful internationally Bulgarian film for 2015 directed by Kristina Grozeva and Peter Valchanov, the organizers said.