Being able to make a movie without a budget sounds like an eccentric idea. However, the Lords of Destiny movie, made with no budget at all, is now shown at the Cinema House in Bulgaria's capital Sofia and has been gaining huge popularity amidst the young Bulgarians. This was one of the biggest dreams of film director Martin Asenov who saddled himself with the task to write a scenario to that movie, gather a team of actors, cameramen and continuity editors, as well as to direct the scenes and find the right location. He also plays the leading part in that movie. The Bulgarian action-thriller with an element of drama was shot in twenty working days only.

“Lords of Destiny movie is a dream come true for all of us, because there aren't enough independent movies for the young Bulgarians in this country. I realized over the years that it is very important to do what you really love. I am surprised with the number of people in Bulgaria who are ready to help you unconditionally to fulfill your dream. Everyone was fascinated with our idea. We worked only with volunteers and nobody asked us for money. Those people let us use their cars and shoot scenes in their pubs, celebrated and amateur actors worked hard with us and never asked for a penny. Musicians contacted me and asked whether I wanted to include some of their pieces in the soundtrack of the movie. A person who writes music to Hollywood trailers gave us his music to use in our movie trailer. Lords of Destiny movie proves that people can do a lot, if they have strong will and good ideas. The lack of money can't stop me”, director Martin Asenov went on to say.

Martin himself studied in England different subjects, but his passion for cinema motivated him to return to Bulgaria. His friends were surprised with his decision, but he is confident that he would find in Bulgaria the people who share the same interests. He is strongly committed to the cause to revive the independent Bulgarian cinema, yet he is aware of all the difficulties.

“I can write a whole book about the difficulties we face in this field. The main difficulty stems from people's schedule. They either work, or study. It is hard to fit everyone in your schedule. It is also difficult to change the locations of the scenes. Our constant attempts to promote the movie are also tiresome. Surprisingly, everything went well for a project with such a small team. My biggest reward was the fact that everyone supported my project for free”, Martin further says.

Lords of Destiny shows the reality in a very gloomy manner. It is filled with controversial personalities having lost their way in the name of influence, money, violence and drugs. The film asks the question How far human envy and thirst for revenge can go and is there a place for morals and family values? The story of the movie is about two brothers who lost connection and ruined themselves in the dark world filled with weapons, lack of love and drug dealing.

“I am fully aware of the time we live in. It is easy to criticize something, if you do not take part in it. Someone may think: Well, I have watched so many Hollywood productions and this one is not that good.” However, our film has so far received only positive opinions and comments. People appreciate our enthusiasm and zeal. I hope that the spectators will find a small part of themselves in our characters”, the young Bulgarian film director added.

Martin dreams of shooting a second part of Lords of Destiny in the future, but this time he would definitely finance his project and use better equipment. He also intends to make comedy series and an online show.

English version: Kostadin Atanasov