The film industry is often seen as a valuable tool for enhancing destination marketing, but the relationship between film productions and tourism development can be more complex than assumed. This study explores the impact of international film productions in Bulgaria, a cost-effective location for filmmakers, on the country’s tourism growth. By analyzing films shot in various Bulgarian locations, the study examines whether these portrayals benefit Bulgaria as a tourism destination. The results reveal that the integration of film production with tourism development depends on factors such as the film’s theme, content, popularity, and depiction of the country. The study concludes that despite the potential for film-induced tourism, fragmented collaboration between the film and tourism industries has limited this opportunity.