Bla calendar 2013 is the title of a wall calendar and videos first published in 2012, featuring nude and semi-nude photographs of members of the Church. The calendar is the brainchild of a group composed mostly of Orthodox eastern Europeans of the former region. The primary goal was to demonstrate that Orthodox believers do not all fit the backward, hidebound stereotype portrayed in the press but rather are regular people with passions, preferences, interests and desires. At the same time, the calendar takes an ironic approach to the Church itself, which in recent years has been embroiled in corruption scandals, artist repression, gay sex cover-ups, outrageous behavior and homophobia.
The calendar and videos have 12 nude and semi-nude photos of persons portrayed as Orthodox priests and their guests. The style – with bold colors, homoerotic undertones and gentle ironic humor – appears to be inspired in part by the works of David LaChapelle and Pierre & Gilles.
Photo sessions and casting took place in the predominantly Orthodox area of eastern Europe. The casting call is open to the public via online announcement on the promoter’s website: "Clergymen or seminary students who would like to contribute to the 2014 edition of the Bla calendar can contact us via email …”
Reception
editLaunched in September 2012, the first edition of Bla calendar has met with success and positive reception all over the world, and in particular after it was covered by the international online newspaper Huffington Post. The creative and gay communities, as well as women, have been especially supportive and among the biggest buyers.
Despite several attempts by detractors to have the calendar and videos banned from online video channels (such as YouTube) and social media (such as Facebook), their online presence is growing and has captured worldwide interest.
TEAM
editThe team is composed of 6 young creative talents of primarily Orthodox faith.
PRODUCTS AND LICENSING
editThe company in charge of its production and distribution retails directly from its website, on Amazon and via several independent retailers in various countries. During the first semester 2013, additional products are expected to be made available.