Today, on one of the most dramatic dates in Bulgarian history – the anniversary of the bombing of the "St. Nedelya" church – the second and final stage of the filming of the feature film "Chamkoria" based on the novel of the same name by Milen Ruskov, directed by Viktor Bozhinov, starts.

History comes to life 101 years later

The symbolism of the date is deeply woven into the concept of the film. The filming for the decisive stage begins in the early hours of April 16 in the church "St. Nikolai Sofiyski" – an architectural "double" of the church "St. Kral" (today's "St. Nedelya") that was blown up exactly 101 years ago. It is with scenes from the bombing and with the experiences of the main character, Bay Slave, played by Malin Krastev, that the filming process of the long-awaited historical film begins. The counterpoint to Bay Slave is the anarchist Jina, played by Hristo Petkov.

The action in "Chamkoria" takes place in the 20s of the XX century – a time of fierce political clashes and strong social tension. Bay Slave is a war veteran and a driver from the capital's district of Banishora. Following the structure of the novel, the film looks at historical events through the eyes of the "ordinary person", who has found himself in one of the most controversial and turbulent periods in our new history. With a lot of humor, authentic speech, skepticism and humanity, Bay Slave goes through a series of vicissitudes that would hardly fit into one life. The great historical dramas are intertwined with the small joys and passions of life against the background of the capital in its most beautiful form – Tsarist Sofia.

Historical locations and living memory

For the filming in "St. Nikolai Sofiyski" the production receives a special blessing and permission from His Holiness Patriarch Daniel. Viktor Bozhinov's team will work in key historical places, including in front of the "St. Nedelya" cathedral itself, as well as in other locations that have preserved the spirit and architecture of the 20s of the last century.

"For us it is important not just to tell a story, but to transport the viewer to that time. By starting today, on April 16, we pay tribute to the victims of the most brutal act in our new history and try to understand the mechanisms of an era, the echo of which we feel today," shares Viktor Bozhinov.

A significant part of the filming will also take place in the Boyana Film Center, where the destroyed church will be recreated through sets and special effects.

Star cast and new faces

The already announced Malin Krastev (Bay Slave) and Hristo Petkov (Jina) are joined in the second stage of filming by an impressive ensemble of leading Bulgarian actors: Sofia Bobcheva, Stoyan Radev, Darin Angelov, Martin Dimitrov, Tony Minasyan, Kitodar Todorov, Monyo Monev, Rumen Gavanazov and many others.

Their characters will complement the colorful and often dangerous mosaic of Sofia society of the era – a world in which drama coexists with fun, bohemian nights and unexpected beauty.

Challenges of the screen adaptation

Following the unprecedented success of "Vuzvishenie", director Viktor Bozhinov once again turns to a text by Milen Ruskov to explore Bulgarian national destiny on the big screen. The project, prepared for eight years, combines the use of a one-hundred-year-old authentic omnibus, original artifacts from the era – banknotes, newspapers, clothes, accessories, cars – with the high-tech LED Volume system, known from the hit series "The Mandalorian". This technology allows a hyperrealistic recreation of old Sofia in studio conditions.

Special models of no longer existing Sofia buildings that shaped the cityscape a century ago are also being made for the needs of the production. After the end of the filming, the models will remain as museum exhibits, accessible to the general public.

When will we see "Chamkoria" on the big screen?

The big meeting of Bay Slave and his omnibus with the public is planned for the fall of 2027, when "Chamkoria" should start in cinemas across the country.

The film is being made by "Talent Partners" in co-production with the Bulgarian National Television and "Falconwing Studio", with executive producer "Gala film" and with the support of the National Film Center.