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- Actress
- Producer
- Director
Nina Dobrev is a Bulgarian-born Canadian actress. Her best-known television roles are Mia Jones in Degrassi: The Next Generation (2001) and Elena Gilbert and Katherine Pierce on The Vampire Diaries (2009). Her film work includes The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012), Let's Be Cops (2014), The Final Girls (2015), xXx: Return of Xander Cage (2017), and Dog Days (2018).
From a very young age, she showed great enthusiasm and talent for the arts: dance, gymnastics, theater, music, visual arts, and acting. Modeling jobs led to commercials, which turned into film auditions; she booked roles in the feature films Fugitive Pieces (2007), Away from Her (2006), and the popular CTV television series Degrassi: The Next Generation (2001), which led to The Vampire Diaries (2009), where she played the lead role for 6 seasons.
Nina loves to travel and has often visited Europe for pleasure, as well as to compete internationally, representing Canada in Aesthetic gymnastics. She enjoys playing volleyball and soccer, swimming, rock climbing, wakeboarding, snowboarding, and horseback riding.
Above all, acting is her passion, and she sees it as an adventure that has just begun; she believes that the journey and the characters we create along the way will help us understand ourselves.- Actress
- Producer
- Writer
Maria Bakalova was born on June 4, 1996 in Burgas, Bulgaria. At the age of six she started singing and flute lessons. She studied at the National School of Arts in Burgas, majoring in acting for drama theater and a second major in flute. After that she studied at the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts in Sofia. In 2019 she successfully graduated.- Stanislav Yanevski was born on 16 May 1985 in Sofia, Bulgaria. He is an actor and producer, known for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005), Hostel: Part II (2007) and The Cloaking.
- Actor
- Producer
- Writer
Julian Kostov was born on 25 August 1989 in Varna, Bulgaria. He is an actor and producer, known for The White Lotus (2021), Shadow and Bone (2021) and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023).- Actor
- Writer
- Additional Crew
George was stage struck at the age of 14 and ran away from school to get a 25 shilling (25p) a week job at a seaside theatre, He spent 6 years going through the mill of small town repertory theatre then the cinema discovered him. After making 12 films he left the studios for 7 years during which time he went back to the theatre appearing in classics at the Old Vic and plays in the West End with films in between - his 13th was The Curse of the Fly,- Ilhan Sen is a Turkish actor, construction engineer, model and former young sportsman.
He was born on December 19, 1989 in Shumen, Bulgaria. (Turkish minority lives in Bulgaria. After the events, there was a great migration to Turkey) In 1990, He moved to Istanbul, Turkey with his family when he was 1 years old. Since childhood, He played as professional young sportsman in basketball and football clubs (Fenerbahce, etc.). He finished primary, high school and university in Istanbul. He graduated from Pertevniyal High School. He graduated from Yildiz Technic University in high civil engineering faculty.
He started modeling at the age of 17. He participate Best Model of Turkey competition in the year 2008 and he receive "Best Swimwear Model" award. In 2009, he get back to the competition and this time he received the first place as "Best Model Of Turkey 2009" title. He represented Turkey at "Best Model of The World 2009" which was held in Sofia-Bulgaria and he became "Best Model of Europe". He continues his career as model and actor in Turkey and abroad. He started his international career with Milan Fashion Week.In June 2009, he joined to the "Tamer Kurter Production and Management" for his national and international representation. Beside, he is represented in Italy and France by "Joy Models".
After his success in modeling he started his acting education. He worked with numerous important acting teachers as Bahar Kerimoglu, Derya Alabora, Levent Dönmez, Ümit Çirak. He also stared at a short film "Perspective", directed by Ömer Can Koçak. The film received many awards in international film festivals. He made his debut with a role in the historical drama Mehmed: Bir Cihan Fatihi in 2018. He subsequently appeared in four more supporting roles in Sahin Tepesi (2018), Eskiya Dünyaya Hükümdar Olmaz (2019), Ramo (2020), and Seni Çok Bekledim (2020). He was cast in his first leading role in the romantic comedy series Ask Mantik intikam, opposite Burcu Özberk.
Ilhan is a huge fan of movies. he can be called a true cinéphilie. He is also interested with literature as reader and writer. Sports is another big passion for him. He also skies and snowboards. Horse riding is also one of his skill. Beside being a very good music listener, he also plays guitar. - Producer
- Actress
- Writer
Elika Portnoy was born on 31 March 1972 in Bulgaria. She is a producer and actress, known for Tricks of Love (2008), Immigration Tango (2010) and Never Rarely Sometimes Always (2020).- Anjela Nedyalkova was born on 2 March 1991 in Sofia, Bulgaria. She is an actress, known for T2 Trainspotting (2017), The Paradise Suite (2015) and Avé (2011).
- Actor
- Additional Crew
Atanas Srebrev (born April 19, 1971) is a Bulgarian actor well-established in strong supporting roles. Because of his level of English-speaking ability, Srebrev is recognized as being the first Bulgarian actor to make his own way in Hollywood. He trained at the National Academy of Theater and Film Arts in Sofia, Bulgaria. Highly versatile and instantly recognizable among SyFy Channel viewers, he has appeared in over 100 films. Not limited to SyFy Channel features, he has appeared in mainstream film releases including 300: Rise of an Empire (2014), Mechanic: Resurrection (2016) and Rambo: Last Blood (2019).- Writer
- Producer
- Director
Konstantin Bojanov is a filmmaker and a visual artist. After graduating from the National School of Fine Arts in Sofia in 1987, he received an M.A. from the Royal College of Art, London, and later studied documentary filmmaking at NYU. His career as an artist began in London in the early 90's, and his work has been exhibited internationally. His most recent exhibitions include: Quintet Without Borders at Haunch of Venison, Zurich; Ei Bank Gallery, Sofia; Sh Contemporary, Shanghai and Minoriten Galerien, Graz; Platonic Objects at Art Today, Plovdiv and Fears, Obsessions and Dedications at Otero Plassart, Los Angeles. His directorial debut was the short film "Lemon Is Lemon" (2001), followed by the award-winning documentary "Invisible" (2005). Bojanov's first feature film "Avé" premiered in 2011 at Semaine de la Critique, Cannes, and went on to win numerous awards. "Avé" received theatrical and TV distribution throughout Europe and the Americas.- Actress
- Producer
Kate Nichols was born in Varna, Bulgaria. She is known for The Operative (2019), Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard (2021) and Pandora (2019).- Actress
- Stunts
- Producer
Yana Marinova was born on 17 August 1978 in Sofia, Bulgaria. She is an actress and producer, known for Attraction (2018), Conan the Barbarian (2011) and The Way Back (2010). She has been married to Tihomir Vinchev since 2010.- Zachary Baharov was born in Sofia, Bulgaria. He studied acting at the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts. He is acting on stage with the National Theatre "Ivan Vazov" Company since 2003. Notable theatrical performances include King Lear (2006), Don Juan (2007), and The Cherry Orchard (2009).
His first major role in a feature film was in Zift, followed by Command Performance and Universal Soldier Regeneration. In 2010, he appeared in Peter Weir's The Way Back.
Baharov is best known for his role of Ivo Andonov in the Bulgarian TV series "Undercover" ("Pod prikritie"). He most recently participated in HBO's popular production - "Game of Thrones". - Actor
- Producer
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Christo Jivkov was born on 18 February 1975 in Sofia, Bulgaria. He was an actor and producer, known for The Passion of the Christ (2004), Otchuzhdenie (2013) and The Final Inquiry (2006). He died on 31 March 2023 in Los Angeles, California, USA.- Actor
- Producer
- Writer
Graduated from NATFA (National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts) in Bulgaria in 2011, Ivo is half Russian/half Bulgarian. Latest projects are Disney movie "The Princess" with Joey King and "Hitman's wife Bodyguard 2" with Ryan Reynolds. His theatre début was in 2009 with the role of Billy in Edward Albee's play "The Goat or Who is Sylvia" under his direction at the National Theatre. In the same year he participated in his first movie "Sneakers", which in 2012 - it won a prestigious awards presented by Geraldine Chaplin. His latest projects are a crime TV series named "The Family", TV drama "Dear Heirs" 2018 and TV comedy "Sunny Beach" 2019. He has more than 15 years of experience as an actor, and more than 30 played lead roles in both theatre and films. Ivo also played parts in movies with Jean Claude van Damme, Tom Sizemore, Vinnie Jones, Sam Spruell, Joey King, Rayan Reynolds, Salma Hayek and more.- Irmena Chichikova was born in Bulgaria. Irmena is an actor, known for Secret Invasion (2023), Touch Me Not (2018) and Phi 1.618 (2022).
- Actor
- Additional Crew
- Cinematographer
Yani Aleksandrov also known as Yani Xander is a Bulgarian actor. Yani was born in Burgas, Bulgaria. At the age of 19 Yani decided to move to London, United Kingdom to pursue career in acting and 'follow his dream'. He had his training at the world-renowned Anthony Meindl's Actors Workshop (AMAW) in London.- Actor
- Producer
Deniz Celiloglu was born on 19 July 1986 in Bulgaria. He is an actor and producer, known for About Dry Grasses (2023), Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2019) and The Fish in Me (2015).- Actor
- Director
- Additional Crew
Hristo Shopov was born on 4 January 1964 in Sofia, Bulgaria. He is an actor and director, known for The Passion of the Christ (2004), Love.net (2011) and Double Identity (2009).- Stunts
- Actor
Raicho Vasilev is a Bulgarian stuntman and actor best known for his appearances in high profile screen projects as Conan the Barbarian (2011) and both Roman period television dramas Spartacus: Gods of the Arena (2011) and Spartacus (2010). Born September 17, 1975 in Smolian, Bulgaria, the 24-year-old Raicho Vasilev started his film career with stunt work for the film Operation Delta Force 4: Deep Fault (1999). From that point on, Vasilev has made an impressive career between stunt work and acting, often using his tough, athletic presence to portray guards, soldiers and villains. Films in which Raicho has contributed stunt work or acting time to include Undisputed 2: Last Man Standing (2006), The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008), Ninja (2009) and The Expendables 2 (2012).- A refugee from the Nazi regime as a child, Dora trained and danced briefly with the Vienna Opera as their youngest solo dancer until an accidental fall in her late teens ended her dancing career. She then moved to London and studied theatre at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, where she had to improve her English skills as well through classes.
After a career on British television, in a few Hollywood films and on the stage, she gave up acting career to raise a family and beginning in the 1980's, she became one of Britain's leading fashion designers. - Actress
- Producer
- Additional Crew
Mimi Davila was born in Sofia, Bulgaria. She is an actress and producer, known for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018), Piel Canela (2019) and Vacation Friends (2021).- Composer
- Music Department
Borislav Slavov was born on July 17, 1973 in Sofia, Bulgaria. He is also known as Bobby Slavov. The works he is known for are Crysis 2 (2011), Crysis 3(2013) as Composer and Music Director, Ryse: Son of Rome (2013), Two Worlds II (2010). His music career starts in 2001, when he gets his first soundtrack production assignment for the real-time strategy video game Knights of Honor.- Director
- Writer
- Producer
Stephan Komandarev is a Bulgarian director, producer and scriptwriter. Born in 1966 in Sofia. He graduated in Film & TV directing at the New Bulgarian University (1999).
Stephan Komandarev's latest feature film "Directions" is a nominee in the section "Un certain regard" at the Cannes Film Festival 2017 official selection. His previous works include award-winning feature and documentary films, such as: The World is Big and Salvation Lurks Around the Corner (2008 - the first Bulgarian film, shortlisted for Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film (2010), the most world-wide theatrical released Bulgarian film ever, distributed in 93 countries, won 35 awards at international film festivals); The Judgment (2014) (won 12 awards, Bulgarian entry - Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film - 2016); The Town of Badante Women (2009, doc.), Alphabet of Hope (2003, doc.), Bread over the Fence (2002, doc.), Dog's Home (1999, feature).
Stephan Komandarev is 2011 EAVE graduate and Member of the Bulgarian Film Directors' Association and Bulgarian Film Producers' Association. Member of the European Film Academy.- She is Bulgarian-Turkish citizen of Turkish descent. She was born in Ruse which Turk minority in Bulgaria live.Social media star who is famous for her gyulsim Instagram account. She has gained popularity there for her personal lifestyle photo-blogging and selfies. She began regularly posting to Instagram in November 2013. She has amassed more than 330,000 followers to her Instagram account.
Ford Model was selected in the Super Model competition held in Bulgaria. She speaks Bulgarian, Turkish, English and Japanese. In 2012 she started her acting career. Gülsim Ilhan Ali made her television debut in the series Son Yaz - Balkanlar 1912 (2012). Then she played the role of nurse in the series Seddülbahir 32 Saat (2016). She has starred on the Turkish TV series Dirilis: Ertugrul (2014) as Aslihan. - Yavor Baharov was born on 12 July 1985 in Sofia, Bulgaria. He is an actor, known for I Spit on Your Grave 2 (2013), Tilt (2010) and The Legend of Hercules (2014).
- Actress
- Producer
Anna Kulinova was born in Ruse, Bulgaria. She is known for Valentine's Day (2010), New Year's Eve (2011) and Searching for Bobby D (2005).- Director
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
In 2000, Todor Chapkanov graduated TV & Film Directing with a Masters Degree from the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts "Krastyo Sarafov".
Between 2001 and 2018, Todor worked as First Assistant Director and Second Unit Director in over 50 movies, including titles like: "The Way Back", "Barbarian", "Hitman's Bodyguard", "London Has Fallen" and many others.
Since his directorial debut in 2007 till 2020, Todor directed different kinds of genre films & TV Series. Including one of the highest rated Bulgarian TV series - the period drama "Tree of Life". In 2015, Todor directs the sports action movie "Boyka: Undisputed" for Millennium Films.
Between 2016 and 2018, was operating as a Show Runner & Main Director of the Bulgarian TV series "Dear Heirs", highest rated prime time show on national television.
After directing couple of Romantic Comedies for Free Dolphin and Second Unit for "Expendables 4", Todor went to Amsterdam to make the Action/Thriller "Black Lotus" for Dutch Filmworks and Capstone. Premiered in April, 2023.
Throughout his career, Todor Chapkanov has directed more than 15 movies, numerous TV series, TV shows, Commercials and music videos.- Samuel Itzhak Finzi was born on January 20, 1966 in Plovdiv. He graduated acting in National Academy for Theatre and Film Art, Sofia, Bulgaria in the class of Professor Dimitrina Gyurova (1992). He specializes in "Lee Strasberg Theater Institute", New York (1994). He debuted in the role of Leopold ("Tutor" - B. Brecht, Y. Lenz) in the Theatre "Bulgarian Army" (1989). Since 1989 he lives and works in Germany. He plays in Toured Hebbel Theater - Berlin, Schauspielhaus - Dusseldorf, Schauspielhaus - Cologne, Thalia Theater - Hamburg (1989 - 2003), Folksbyune - Berlin (2003 - 2006), the Deutsches Theater (2006). His roles are: Cosimo and others ( "Hermafroditus" - performance by director Ivan Stanev); collage of images ( "Performance and Punishment" - by Ivan Stanev); Author, Kalfa ( "Leons and Lena", "Woyzeck" - G. Buchner); Treplyov and several characters, Bortzov ( "Seagull", "Swan songs", "The Big Time" - by Chekhov); Herria ( "Caligula" - A. Camus); Man ( "One month Dachau "- Sorokin); Firs, Charlotte (" The Cherry Orchard "- A. Chekhov); Cortes (" Personal corner "- Yang); Rosenstock (" Wide Side "- A. Schnitzler); collage of characters ( "Germany 3" - H. Muller); several characters ( "Powder Keg" - D. Dukovski), Ivanov ( "Ivanov" - Chekhov); Alburi and other characters ( "Battle of the Negro and dogs "- Koltes); Platonov (" Platonov "- Chekhov); Messenger, Xerxes (" The Persians "- Aeschylus); Volpone (" Volpone "- B. Johnson) and others. He has participated in Bulgarian and German cinema, and of the Pop podium. He is a winner of the German national awards. Samuel Finzi or Sancho, as it is known among his friends, is a true star of the German theater scene. She starred in dozens of feature films - from "The Camp", directed by Georgi Djulgerov and "Pieces of Love", directed by Ivan Tscherkelov to Oscar nominee Austrian film "Testament." Sancho is a pet of the German audience with memorable performances in plays by the most famous world playwrights, Finzi worked for years with Dimitar Gochev, recognized as one of Europe's best theater directors. Bulgarian actor Samuel Finzi was named best actor in Germany. He received high recognition of the 42 known critics and journalists who voted in a poll of the magazine "The theater today." Many of them have indicated Finzi a favorite of the German-speaking scene in 2015 for his role of Vladimir in "Waiting for Godot" by Beckett, staging by another Bulgarian - director Ivan Panteleev, and played in Berlin "Deutsches Theater". Samuel Finzi is married to Sorrel Athina Jardine. They have one child.
- Miroslav Barnyashev (born December 25, 1984) is a Bulgarian professional wrestler and former powerlifter and rower. He is currently signed to WWE, where he performs under the ring name Rusev on the SmackDown brand. He is the only Bulgarian to have wrestled for WWE. Rusev has generally played the character of the villainous foreigner to America since his WWE debut. However, after a storyline began in late 2017 in which he declared every day as "Rusev Day" and started his own chant, he became one of WWE's most popular wrestlers through crowd interaction. He is a three-time WWE United States Champion and phenomenally talented actor.
- Stunts
- Actress
- Additional Crew
Started working as an independent choreographer in 2016. During the following years, she has developed a unique and personal approach to choreography and dance making, through numerous projects, collaborations and creation processes, setting the foundations for her artistic vision and laying the groundwork for her future body of work. Working alongside professionals from all around the world in the dance and movie industry. Created for movie and advertising productions like WarnerBros Pictures; Voltage Pictures; Valorant; Pantaleon Films; L'Oreal; Ubisoft. Worked with international artists like Dua Lipa, Rita Ora, Angele.
Parallel to her choreographic work, Aleks directs and designs the lighting and the stage to all of her works, making it an integral component of her creative process.
During her entire career, Aleks has developed a rich methodological set of tools and an original pedagogical approach to dance making. She is regularly invited to teach and collaborate with Russian, Romanian and Bulgarian's leading dance schools and institutions, and in parallel, offers regular options for young dancers and makers to immerse themselves in her practice, through internships, workshops and master classes.
Meanwhile she is woking as a stunt performer. Over the last two years she appeared on more than 10 movie and commercial projects, including WAAD Iblees (MBC Studios, Cairo, Egypt); Expendables 4, Memory ( with Liam Neeson and Monica Bellucci); Cobweb (Lionsgate; Pointgrey Pictures).
Member of the CID, UNESCO. Member of The IFAUBA; International Dance Organization and DWC. Part of the Association for Support of Children for Achievements in the Field of Classical and Contemporary Dance.
Winner of the award of the Association of Choreographers in Bulgaria "Golden Muse" 2019. Laureate of the Grand award of Dimitar Berbatov Foundation VIII Annual Awards. Exhibitioner of the Ministry of Culture.
Studied dance and choreography in Bulgaria, USA, Russia, Romania, Italy.
Participated in various dance and theater projects, together with professionals from the USA, South Korea, Russia, England, Romania and Bulgaria.
Teaches and creates choreography in local and international dance schools. Takes part in both national and international dance championships as a judge.
Director and choreographer of Dance Performance "Second Skin". Director and choreographer of Dance Performance "8"/ PROJECT 8 2022.- Stunts
- Actress
- Additional Crew
Stella Angelova is a World & Europe champion Rhythmic Gymnast from Bulgaria. She was given a Political Asylum and immigrated to the USA. Stella began working in Hollywood very soon after her arrival. She's known for her work with Ricky Martin, Madonna, Prince and her modeling campaigns for various companies. Multi-talented professional, action actress and a writer/producer.- Velizar Binev was born on 8 March 1967 in Sofia, Bulgaria. He is an actor, known for Stonehearst Asylum (2014), The Expendables 3 (2014) and The Protégé (2021). He has been married to Nusha Bineva since 29 June 2002.
- Producer
- Director
- Actor
Vladimir Sulov was born on 27 March 1972 in Varna, Bulgaria. He is a producer and director, known for Stella's War (2010).- Actress
- Producer
Luiza Grigorova was born on 7 June 1990 in Bulgaria. She is an actress and producer, known for Stuklen dom (2010), Away from the shore (2018) and Darvoto na jivota (2013).- Actress
- Writer
- Producer
Simona Theoharova is a Bulgarian-German actress, director, dancer and artist known for the film adaptation of the bestseller by Charlotte Link (2020), Tatort and her documentary work tripleF*** . Born in Sofia/Bulgaria, she now works worldwide. Besides directing in her documentary work, she mainly acts in films, but is also intensively engaged in dance and acting improvisation. She brings a refreshing authenticity to her work and doesn't shy away from portraying raw emotions or complex relationships, making her storytelling relatable and impactful.
What also sets Simona apart is her activism. She incorporates her passion for positive change into her craft and her psychological work. Whether through lectures, films or new immersive media, through writing, performing or through community initiatives. Her social commitment not only enriches the film landscape, but also the audiences.- Music Department
- Actress
- Soundtrack
Sylvie Vartan was born on 15 August 1944 in Iskretz, Bulgaria. She is an actress, known for Ruby Sparks (2012), L'ange noir (1994) and Les poneyttes (1968). She has been married to Tony Scotti since 2 June 1984. She was previously married to Johnny Hallyday.- Vladimir Karamazov was born on 27 April 1979 in Sofia, Bulgaria. He is an actor, known for Darvoto na jivota (2013), Fourth Estate (2013) and Love Off.
- Yasen Peyankov was born in Varna, Bulgaria and went to the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts in Sofia. He arrived in the United States in 1990 and very quickly found his place as an actor in the vibrant off-Loop theatre scene in Chicago. In 1992 he co-founded the European Repertory Company with Dale Goulding where for the next 10 years he produced, directed or acted in over 20 productions.
His first break was landing a part in Time to Burn at Steppenwolf Theatre in 1997. He was invited to join the legendary ensemble in 2002. He has appeared in 18 productions at Steppenwolf. Some of his notable appearances at Steppenwolf include: Penelope; Pillowman; Three Sisters; Superior Donuts; The Tempest; Cherry Orchard; Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune; The Time of Your Life (also Seattle, San Francisco); Lost Land; Hysteria; Morning Star (Jeff Award for Best Supporting Actor). On stage he has also appeared in productions at Goodman Theatre, Court Theatre, European Repertory, Next Theatre, Seattle Repertory Theatre, American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco and made his Broadway debut in Superior Donuts in 2009.
His Steppenwolf directing credits include The Fundamentals, Between Riverside and Crazy (Jeff Nomination for Best Production), Grand Concourse, Russian Transport, Hushabye for First Look and The Glass Menagerie for Steppenwolf for Young Adults. He also translated and directed the Bulgarian premiere of August: Osage County at the National Theatre in Sofia in 2011.
Some of his many film and television appearances include Captive State, Chasing Gold, A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas, Contagion, Transformers 3, Crime Fiction, The Company, The Mob Doctor, The Beast, Gifted Hands, Karen Sisco, Alias, The Practice, The Unit, Numb3rs. Since 2016 he has a recurring role on Madam Secretary.
He has also translated and adapted Russian plays by Anton Chekhov, Mikhail Bulgakov, Nikolai Kolyada, Alexander Galin and Vassily Sigarev, all of which developed into productions. He is the recipient of a Jeff Award and two Jeff Nominations, Fox Fellowship and is the Head of Theatre at the School of Theatre and Music at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he teaches acting and directs plays. - Actress
- Writer
Canan Öztürk was born in 1964 in Bulgaria. She is an actress and writer, known for Ates Böcegi (1988), Poyraz Karayel: Küresel Sermaye (2017) and Dirilis: Ertugrul (2014).- Actress
- Music Department
Star of stage, screen, television, cabaret and the world of music, Irina Maleeva is a true multifaceted international sensation. The daughter of a famed Bulgarian stage actress and an aristocratic Italian statesman, Maleeva first established herself as a child performer in her native Bulgaria -- and from there her career and talents would bring her to the glittering global stage.
The world of Irina Maleeva jettisoned into the cinematic spotlight when she was discovered by the legendary Federico Fellini at age 15 and would go on to perform in three of his highly-acclaimed movies: Satyricon; Spirits of the Dead; and Roma. Later Maleeva was chosen for the lead part of Jessica in the film, "The Merchant of Venice" playing opposite Orson Welles's Schylock. The film was also directed by Orson Welles "This was the best time of my life", remembers Irina. For many years part of the film was lost. When finally recovered, it premiered in Los Angeles at the Egyptian Theater in 2017.
Adept in seven languages and with degrees in painting and set design from the historic Accademia di Belle Arti in Rome, plus studies at Cinecitta Drama Film School and the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, one could say that Maleeva is truly a Renaissance artist in her own time. Says Maleeva, "It was inevitable that I was born to be an actress. There was nothing else for me but the theater and the movies. Painting and playing the piano wasn't enough for me. I needed to express myself with my voice and my body. What motivates me is the need to act."
Included in her motion picture accomplishments: studying and working with iconic Italian directors Luchino Visconti and Roberto Rossellini and starring in more than 30 leading roles in European and American films opposite such luminaries as James Mason, Valentina Cortese and Terence Stamp, plus notable actors Susan Sarandon, Charles Grodin, David Duchovny, Anthony Franciosa and Klaus Kinski, to name a few.
For her portrayal as a demented countess in the cult crime mystery film Union City, Maleeva appeared opposite rockers Debbie Harry and Pat Benatar and for her memorable role in this film she was awarded at the Toronto Film Festival. Later she would play the part of Mrs. Hasadan in the screwball comedy of errors Wasabi Tuna.
Among her other acting achievements are the lead in the Italian-French television series Poly in Venice and The Girl without Identity. American television roles include appearing as a guest star on Days of our Lives, The Gilmore Girls, Pensacola, Just Shoot Me, Six Feet Under, Angel and Threshold. Maleeva was a principal recurring actress on the television series Cracking Up and the award-winning soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful. She has also guest starred on American Body Shop and the critically acclaimed science fiction drama series Heroes, not to mention appearing in the role of Ruba in the HBO-produced show Twelve Miles of Bad Road. Maleeva has co-starred opposite Susan Sarandon in the comedy-drama film The Meddler and guest-starred in the television crime drama series Aquarius with David Duchovny.
It is not surprising to learn that over the years Maleeva has brought her unique singing voice to the stage and to recordings as well, which has enabled her to travel the world with her one-woman musical comedy shows from New York to Rio de Janeiro to Tokyo. The shows Passion, Pain and Occasional Vodka Tonic and Irina Abroad were presented at the Matrix Theater in Los Angeles and the famed Cinegrill at Hollywood's Roosevelt Hotel. "The best part about acting," notes Maleeva, "is that I live many more lives through the parts I play. And my life becomes richer with more knowledge and experience. I also love to make people happy through my musical comedies."
Of note is the release of her CD Illusions produced by music industry greats Michele Brourman and Stephan Oberhoff as well as creating and co-writing the stage show Illusions with renowned Broadway director and writer Randy Johnson which ran at the Hudson Theater in Los Angeles for two consecutive years. And now, she is currently at work writing a screenplay for an upcoming film.
In 2017, Maleeva was bestowed the South East European Film Festival's SEEfest Life Achievement Award -- an honor that was presented to her by the Mayor of Beverly Hills -- in addition to kicking off the SEEfest festival in 2018 with a live performance of her musical Gypsy in My Soul directed by Carlyle King at the WACO Theater Center in the colorful North Hollywood arts district.
Balancing her acting assignments and her singing engagements with her personal life is imperative for Maleeva, but more importantly, her life's long dedication is as an avid activist in the fight for saving the elephants and rhinoceros through The Wildlife Trusts in Africa. Her life priority is being a strong advocate for saving lives of innocent animals through her charitable Irina.inc organization. She loves to fly, cruising around the world, playing with her beloved dogs Romeo and Juliet and sharing quiet times at her Beverly Hills home with longtime husband Nathan Goller.- Yoanna Boukovska was born on 8 April 1977 in Sofia, Bulgaria. She is an actress, known for Brother of the Snail (2009), Security (2017) and Death, Deceit & Destiny Aboard the Orient Express (2001).
- Eli Krasteva Skorcheva is a Bulgarian cinema, television and theater actress. She was born in Plovdiv, Bulgaria on March 8, 1954. She graduated from the School of Engineering and Architecture, then - in "acting" from National Academy for Theatre and Film Art, Sofia, Bulgaria and later - in "management and marketing of insurance business". She stop shooting film in the early 1990th , but sometimes, though rarely, she has participated in theater productions. Some famous movies with her participation are "Adaptation" (1979), "Turnovo Queen" (1980), "Women on the third floor" (1987) and "Madame Bovary from Sliven" (1991).
- Actor
- Producer
- Writer
Kal Minev was born on September 19th, 1996 in Sofia, Bulgaria. At the National School of Applied Arts in Sofia, Minev was involved in woodcarving and sculpture which he continues to practice as a means of artistic expression. Kal attended the National Academy for Theater and Film Arts where he studied acting.
Minev's acting debut came when he was in 1st year in university in the feature "XIIA" (2017) directed by Magdalena Ralcheva. Not so long after he landed a role in one of the most viral Bulgarian web series "Follow Me/Sledvai me" (2017 - 2019) in which he played the character Daniel. In 2019 Kal suspends his academy education, because he's been accepted to become part of the cast of an Immersive Theater show on the West End in London called Variant 31. During his time there, he signs a management contract with Jupiter Lights Talent Media.
In the summer of 2020, he played the role of the soldier Justin Mitchell in the American/Finnish horror film "The Refuge" directed by Renny Harlin. The film is expected to premiere in 2023. Some of his other major project roles include Paul Barrymore in the Romantic comedy "For Better or Worse" (2022) directed by Todor Chapkanov and the Bulgarian TV series "The Lies in Us/Lazhite v nas" (2022).
At the beginning of 2023, Kal Minev appeared on the screen of CBS in FBI International, where he played the role of the basketball star Bogdan Vidmar in S2EP10 of the series.
Kal is the associate producer of the short thriller "Red Admiral" (2023) directed by the young and talented director Marin Rangelov. The film has won an award at Robinson Film Awards international festival and has been selected for the official program of In the Palace International Film Festival. Kal is the producer of "The Red Market" a short film, directed by Julian Kostov, currently in post-production.- Tsvetana Pironkova was born on 13 September 1987 in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. She has been married to Mikhail Mirchev since July 2016.
- Ivan Barnev was born on July 15, 1973 in Dobrich, Bulgaria. Ivan Barnev graduated from the National Academy for Theatre" and Film Art, Sofia, Bulgaria in Acting in 1996 in the class of Professor Stefan Danailov , with assistants Iliya Dobrev and Ivaylo Hristov . He entered the team of the Youth Theatre , where debuted with the role of Pinocchio in performance posed by Andrei Avramov . He participated in the TV show Outcasts in the period 1998 - 2000 . Then he continued to play in the theater, his role in "Dinner for Idiots" brought him the Award "Asker" for A Rising Star in 2002. Then followed "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" , directed by Alexander Morfov . With the role of vulnerable Billy Bibi in the dramatization of the novel by Ken Kesey Ivan Barnev won the Awards " Asker " and "Icarus" in 2011. Burnev participated in Bulgarian cinema with roles in contemporary films like " Footsteps in the Sand ", directed by Ivaylo Hristov, " Voice over", directed by Svetoslav Ovtcharov, " Lady Zee ", "The Goat" and "Buffer Zone", directed by Georgi Djulgerov and "Lesson", directed by Kristina Grozeva and Petar Valchanov. In 2006 he was nominated for best leading role of the film festival " Berlinale " for his role as the young Jan Dite in the film by Jiri Menzel - " I Served the King of England". He is married to the actress Margita Gosheva. They have one child.
- Actor
- Producer
Alexander Sano was born on 2 May 1977 in Asenovgrad, Bulgaria. He is an actor and producer, known for Gomorrah (2014), The Bureau (2015) and Absentia (2017). He has been married to Nely Sano since 30 August 2014. They have two children.- Actor
- Director
- Producer
Joseph Al Ahmad is a multilingual and biracial actor and director. His mother, a journalist, is of mixed Sudanese and Bulgarian origin, and his father, a university professor, is from Syria. Joseph grew up speaking four languages and is fluent in English, Bulgarian, Russian, and Levantine Arabic. He is the youngest grandson of internationally acclaimed poet and author Vanya Petkova.
After graduating from the National High School of Applied Arts in 2015 where he specialized in fine arts, he was admitted to the Gerasimov University of Cinematic Arts, the oldest film school in the world, where he earned his Master of Fine Arts degree in film directing with 'Excellence in the Performing Arts' in 2020.
While in college, he landed his first supporting speaking role as Bassam in the popular Egyptian TV series Above the Clouds (2018), which required performing in fluent Arabic and Russian. As a director, his short film 'Motives' was awarded 'Best Narrative Short' at the Los Angeles Film Awards in 2019, along with a second 'Honorable Mention: Director' award.
After moving to Los Angeles in 2021, he continued practicing his craft at Anthony Meindl's Actor Workshop and was granted 'Alien of Extraordinary Ability' status in the US as both an actor and director, with the support of the SAG-AFTRA union.
In 2022 he booked the critical role as the narrator on the set of A Christmas Story Christmas (2022), working closely with director Clay Kaytis and Peter Billingsley during production.
Today he is based in Los Angeles, often traveling to his hometown Sofia, Bulgaria, for projects and to spend time with his family, and is represented by his agent Myreon Arslan of MJB Talent, and his manager Irvin Gelb. Known for A Christmas Story Christmas (2022), Above the Clouds (2018), and for directing Motives (2018), Chase (2022).- Actress
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Lorina Kamburova worked in the US under commerce and granite, Lorina started her career in Sofia then went to new starts. She remained in that country until she starred in Death Race (2018).
Lorina transformed multi languages including, English language, French, Sign and Dutch
Death Race (2018) is what is Lorina most known for.- Stunts
- Actor
- Producer
Stanimir Stamatov was born on 26 March 1976 in Haskovo, Bulgaria. He is an actor and producer, known for Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019), The Expendables (2010) and The Expendables 2 (2012).