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Sofia, Bulgaria – December 28, 2023 – Maria Bakalova, the Bulgarian actress who captivated audiences in “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm,” is the frontrunner to portray music icon Lili Ivanova in an upcoming biographical film. The actress reportedly returned to her home contry specifically for a casting call held in mid-December, signaling a strong possibility she’ll take on the role.
Bakalova a Likely Choice to Play Bulgaria’s ‘primate of the Stage’
The film, titled “Lily – Love is Life,” aims to chronicle the life and career of Lili Ivanova, a beloved and enduring figure in Bulgarian music.
- Producers are seeking an actress between 20 and 30 years old who visually resembles Ivanova.
- Singing ability is considered a plus, but not a requirement for the role.
- Bakalova’s physical similarities to a young Ivanova, coupled with her musical background, make her a strong contender.
- The film will focus on Ivanova’s rise to stardom and her personal history.
The producers, Ivan Hristov and Andrey Arnaudov, are searching for an actress aged 20 to 30 who bears a strong visual resemblance to Ivanova. Casting director Boryana Bratoeva noted that while singing talent is a bonus, it isn’t essential, as vocal performances can be dubbed, similar to past projects like the series “The Portal” and the musical comedy “The Naked Truth About the Group ‘Zhiguli.'”
Bakalova, 29, closely meets the age requirements and shares a noticeable physical similarity to Ivanova in her youth, a resemblance that could be further enhanced with styling. She also has a background in music, suggesting she possesses some vocal ability. The actress came home for a celebration hosted by the casting agency,with the audition announced shortly after.
What are the challenges of portraying a national icon like Lili Ivanova? the film will navigate the complexities of Ivanova’s life, from her early years to her current status as a cultural icon. The period of her initial success will be a central focus, making the casting of the younger Ivanova especially crucial.
The film is expected to build on the success of Hristov and Arnaudov’s previous work, “Gundy – Legend of Love,” with Emil Bonev returning as the screenwriter. Yana Titova will direct, with Martin Balkanski serving as cinematographer, having previously worked on films such as “Dose of Happiness” and “Stolen Life.”
Another actress considered for the role was Mihaela Marinova, known for her ability to imitate ivanova’s style. However, producers are prioritizing a professional actress, and Marinova is considered an amateur, despite her talent showcased in the National Music Theater’s production of “Cabaret.”
The production team hopes “Lily – Love is Life” will resonate with audiences as strongly as “Gundy – Legend of Love,” continuing their streak of successful biographical films.
