The film Band with no name was released in 1982. It tells the story of four men of different professions with one dream - to make it big as musicians. To this day it is a film that is enjoyed by young and old alike and is among the most watched Bulgarian movies of all times. It is directed by Lyudmil Kirkov, the screenplay is by Stanislav Stratiev, starring Georgi Mamalev, Pavel Poppandov, Philip Trifonov, Velko Kunev, Katerina Evro, Maria Kavardjikova. The soundtrack is by Boris Karadimchev. Besides the excellent cast, the film is also memorable for two emblematic songs – We are here to stay performed by Margarita Hranova and Our town by the Tangra band. The movie was shot on location in Sunny Beach, Chernomorets and Duni, as well as Aitos on the Black Sea.

In an interview preserved at the Bulgarian National Radio Golden Fund audio archives, composer Boris Karadimchev who passed away last year remembers:

“It really is a wonderful film. You know the films that are the genuine article are those films in which the viewers can identify with the actors. Band with no name is very true to life in telling the story of the musicians who go to perform with so much enthusiasm, in such good spirits, who want to demonstrate their art and give people pleasure. They are run-of-the-mill musicians who want to play in bars but their efforts seem to be ill-fated. And in the final song they sing “we are here to stay” – and they do stay with their dreams and their desires.”

Actor Georgi Mamalev remembers: “To be able to act in Band with no name was a real stroke of good luck. In our profession it is important to know when opportunity knocks. Of course this is not the only time fortune has favoured me, but to have acted in a film that has earned the love of the public, a film that continues to be one of the most watched movies is a real stroke of luck and has given me enormous pleasure.” And adds that the script was written for this particular cast which is why they all decided to act under their real names. The only audition was for the role of the singer Renny, in which Katerina Evro was cast.

According to Nikolay Nikolaev who plays the Italian Gianni, the film is such a success because the director contrived to make of the actors co-authors. Band with no name has been given pride of place in the treasure trove of Bulgarian filmmaking and even though it is one of the best comedies ever made in Bulgaria, it also takes up subjects that are very serious like friendship, love and art. It is probably for this reason and because of the brilliant acting that it is still one of the best-loved Bulgarian films by all generations.

English Milena Daynova