108 years Bulgarian cinema

The 15-minute short silent black-and-white comedy Bulgaran is Gallant is considered the first Bulgarian feature film, marking the beginning of Bulgarian cinematography. It was projected for the first time on 13 January, 1915 in metropolitan cinema "Modern Theatre". A few years later the film was destroyed and only 1-2 frames remain. The only evidence, by which it could be judged are a few advertising messages in newspapers, which were published about the movie's premier. Screen-writer, director and lead actor is Vasil Gendov. His partner on-scene is the National theatre actress Mara Miyateva-Lipina. The story-line along with the characters are like foreign film comedies at the time, which were projected in Bulgarian cinemas. In this period Bulgaran is an equivalent to Bai Ganyo.In honor of 90 years of this event, in 2005, under the National film centre's initiative, 13 January is announced with a state decree for a National film day - a professional holiday for those who work in the Bulgarian movie industry. (Photo: http://chasovnik.ucoz.com)