The annual Kalaidzhi bride market is one of the most unusual traditions in southeastern Bulgaria, where young unmarried women are paired off with financially strong men. This ancient custom has been practiced by the Kalaidzhi tinsmiths or boilermakers for centuries.
But as the Kalaidzhi bride market approaches, more and more young Roma are rebelling against this old tradition. They seek to make their own decisions and to love and marry the person of their choice, even if that means breaking with their deeply ingrained code of conduct. Follow the journey of two girls, 17-year-old Teni and 19-year-old Maria, as they navigate the week leading up to the market day in search of love and self-determination. Can they find true love in the face of a traditional and outdated ritual? And how is this ancient tradition affected by the modern-day influences of the Internet and social media? Dive into the fascinating world of the Kalaidzhi bride market in this captivating documentary.
