Heskiya graduated Cinema and Photograph College in Sofia. From 1956 to 1965 he was an assistant director for Boyana Film Studio. Heskia gained international attention in 1966 for
Gorechto Pladne (
Torrid Noon), the first Bulgarian contribution to the
Cannes Film Festival and a nomination for the
Palme d'Or. In 1981 he won the Special Prize at the
12th Moscow International Film Festival for
Yo Ho Ho. Zako Heskiya worked as a head of the "Debut" group at the former Boyana Studio (succeeded by
Nu Boyana Film Studios) and opened the door to professional work for many young Bulgarian film directors. == Filmography ==