Assisted by four consultants, writer Emil Bonev wrote the script over a period of 10 years. The series covers significant political events between 1940 and 1945 in Europe and Bulgaria presented chronologically and following the factual steps in saving Bulgarian Jews.
The broadcast commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Holocaust.
The series, budgeted at over 1 m EUR, is directed by Vito Bonev and Ivan Mitov. The show focuse on the destinies of two families utilizing numerous reconstructions of Jewish life and traditions in Bulgaria during the 1940’s. According to producer Miroslav Borshosh from Artishock “the Bulgarian audience will learn a lot about Jewish culture.”
The new minister of culture, actor Vladimir Penev, plays the part of Metropolitan Cyril, a historical figure, who at the time dared to confront the authorities in favor of the Jews. Kiril Boyadjiev plays the historical character of Dimitar Peshev, a key person in the prevention of the deportation of Jews from Bulgaria. King Boris III is played by Penko Gospodinov. “Before shooting I need 3 hours for my make-up and during it I change 12 different costumes, specially made for my performance,” Gospodinov said.
The role of Liliana Panizza is played by newcomer Lidia Indzhova. “It is not so well known that she put her life in constant danger because as secretary of the Commissioner for Jewish Affairs she had access to secret information. She transmitted it to the Jewish community in order to protect it,” the actress said.
The music is written by notable composer and actor Stefan Valdobrev.
Scriptwriter: Emil Bonev
Directors: Vito Bonev, Ivan Mitov
DoP: Dimitar Nedelchev, Martin Balkansky
Production design: Bobi Michailovsky
Costume design: Elena Ivanova
Production: Bulgarian National Television, Artishock Productions
