The Balkans is home to an ancient pagan tradition where magic and mystery still have a sacred place in the cosmic order. The Kukeri festival has had a strong hold over Bulgarian cultural life since the fifth century, surviving the Ottomans, Christendom and communist rule. Every winter, hundreds of terrifying figures prowl snow-capped forests and village centers in search of evil spirits to dispel from their communities. Oversized bells, gnarled horns, wooden staffs and fantastical masks are just some of the familiar components of a ‘kuker’s’ costume. 

Photographer Daniel Ali and cinematographer Jacob Schühle Lewis traveled to south-west Bulgaria to meet the Urlachki family, whose heritage runs deep in the Kukeri tradition. “We were met by an incredibly warm and welcoming family,” say Ali and Lewis. “They proudly donned their outfits to show us how Kukeri have performed their rituals for thousands of years.”

Historically, these festivities were only carried out by young men as a rite of passage into manhood, but today women take part—still to some people’s surprise—and young children. The costumes favored by the Urlachki family were carefully handmade from Bulgaria's famous long-haired Kalofer goats and handed down from generation to generation. 

“The Kukeri walk, dance and jump around the local streets, villages and towns making as much noise as possible in the belief that their actions will bring prosperity to all,” say the directors. “We wanted the story to connect with the viewer and to share a family's traditions in a way that reflects not only their rituals and story as it is now but the historical performances and traditions of their ancestors.”