The Adventures of Niki and Friends was an old set of short animated films that were made for the national IT Znaiko competition back in 2021 To 2023.
All of the episodes
Episode 1 – The Magic Forest
Episode 2 – The Lost Temple
Niki and his friends Boho and Znaiko explore the ancient history of Kyustendil. During a walk in the forest above the city, they come across a secret tunnel that leads them to the lost temple of the god Asclepius. During their adventure, they discover various artifacts related to the ancient city of Pautalia. Where the secret tunnel under the hill of Hisarlaka will lead them, you will learn if you join the heroes!
Episode 3 – Secrets of Time
In this episode, Niki and his friends Boho and Znaiko are transported to the medieval Velbazhd. Niki tells the story of one of the symbols of the city – the Pirkova Tower and the unique 600-year-old clock bell, whose ringing is still heard from all over Kyustendil.
Episode 4 – Treasure
Niki and his friends Boho and Znaiko go to visit Niki‘s village. There they embark on their next adventure and discover a hidden treasure in the basement of the house. However, the chest is not filled with gold coins, but with traditional folk costumes. You will find out what ancient symbols and secrets are encoded in the costumes from the Kyustendil region if you follow the three heroes in their new adventure.
Episode 5 – The scary story of the construction of Kadin Bridge
“The Scary Story of the Construction of Kadin Bridge” is the fifth episode of a series of short animated films dedicated to the history and sights of the city of Kyustendil. The idea for the series was born in connection with previous participations in the IT Znaiko competition. The main characters Boho and Znaiko are visiting their friend Niki and together with him reveal exciting secrets from the history of his hometown. In the current episode, the three are in the village of Nevestino, located on both banks of the Struma River, and only 13 km from Kyustendil. The medieval Kadin Bridge connects the two parts of the village. Both historical evidence and several legends have been preserved about its construction. The film tells about the mysteries surrounding the construction of the bridge.
Episode 6 – On the Trail of the Butterflies
The main characters Boho and Znaiko are visiting their friend Niki and together with him reveal exciting secrets from the history of his hometown. In this episode, the three follow the trail of butterflies in the region of Kyustendil. Their curiosity leads them to the Polska Grasshopper waterfall. It is one of the highest in Bulgaria (about 53 meters). It is located along the Struma River, about 18 km from the city. The area of the waterfall is extremely picturesque. Nearly 750 species of butterflies live here. While admiring them, the three characters witness a unique magical ritual.
This was also the last episode of the these series of short films.
Bonus Content
Znaiko and Boho in the world of Lego
This project was also made for the competition back in 2023. for this, I was doing it with an interpretation of the theme “Know in the world of Lego” set by the competition.
2022 Christmas Short
This previously unreleased animated short was submitted to the competition back in Christmas of 2022.
2021 Artworks
These were the first submissions that were made for the competition, these were made way before the first episode of The Adventures of Niki and Friends was made.
