Filming for Chamkoria – the fourth feature film by director Viktor Bozhinov and the second adaptation of a novel by author Milen Ruskov following the success of Elevation – has begun in Sofia. Falconwing Studio is co-producing the project alongside Bulgarian National Television.

“I am grateful to fate that I can once again direct a film based on a novel by Milen Ruskov. I want to create a film that entertainingly and poignantly tells the story of one of the most complex periods in our recent history. Our goal is to engage younger audiences, who need to learn more about these fascinating times,” says director Viktor Bozhinov.

Chamkoria is set in the 1920s – a colorful era of intense political clashes, vigilante justice, political assassinations, and disappearances. At the center of the story is taxi driver Bai Slave from Banichora – a veteran of the Salonika Front, whose sharp humor and exhaustion from the uncertainty of the times become the voice of a generation. The role is entrusted to beloved actor Malin Krastev.

“Malin Krastev is the perfect type for this complex character – a man who experiences too much in too short a time. In him, we see the entire era – Bulgaria a hundred years ago, torn between ideals and disappointments,” adds Bozhinov.

The antagonist, anarchist nicknamed Gina, is played by Hristo Petkov, who also appeared in Bozhinov’s films Elevation and Escape.

The film has been in preparation for eight years, during which Bozhinov gathered an impressive collection of authentic items, costumes, and vehicles from the era, including a century-old omnibus brought from the Netherlands and fully refurbished for the production.

Bozhinov will once again rely on his established creative team – cinematographer Anton Bakarski, composer Petar Dundakov, production designer Rositsa Bakeva, costume designer Mina Kaye, and editor Nina Altaparmakova.

Filming of Chamkoria will take place in two stages – autumn and spring – currently in Sofia and Borovets, including Tsarska Bistritsa. Part of the historical reconstruction will use special technologies first employed in the hit series The Mandalorian, a first for Bulgarian cinema. In addition to high-tech tools, the team will create hyper-realistic models of Sofia’s architecture from the early 20th century.

Chamkoria is produced by Talent Partners in co-production with BNT and Falconwing Studio. The executive producer is Gala Film, with support from the National Film Center. The project is realized with sponsorship from Sofia Municipality, Sofia Culture Program, Samokov Municipality, His Majesty Simeon II, and companies including Rila Sport, Solent, Moto-Pfohe, Moto-Pfohe Rental, Retro Museum and Zlatan Rozhen Winery, Cleaning Spot, and others.

Watch reports from Bulgaria ON AIR and Webcafe from the first day of filming Chamkoria:

Bulgaria ON AIR

Webcafe