Gabriela Lyubenova: I really love playing different roles. I would love to appear in interesting films and one day play a character of my own.
Gabriela Lyubenova is 9 and from Varna. She will enter fourth grade in the autumn, but what she enjoys most is acting.
I heard you recently filmed a Disney production. Can you tell us about it: what is the film called, and how were you chosen for your role?
The casting was a surprise. Mum picked me up from school and told me we were going somewhere. I didn’t know where she was taking me. We went to the casting, they took photos of me and said they would call if I was approved. When they called and said they had chosen me as the lead character’s double in a Hollywood Disney production, I was so happy. The film is called "Young Woman and the Sea".
Tell us more about your role in the film, the crew and working with the other actors and the director?
When we arrived on set, someone was waiting whose job was to look after just me. Then they took me to change into the clothes I would film in. I felt very strange wearing them, but quickly got used to them and even liked them. Then they had to do my hair. They had to cut a little off so it would look like Trudy’s, the film’s main character. When I was ready, they took a few photos and sent them somewhere to check whether my hairstyle looked like Trudy’s. Everything was very exciting, and it was time to go to the set. There I waited for the director to say when my scene would be shot. Filming had just started, and I was walking along the pier looking at the sea when it began to rain. So the shoot ended very quickly. There was also a funny situation when, while they were filming the extras, I unknowingly walked into the scene, strolled among them as Trudy and didn’t know they were filming. When I realised they had been shooting, I left the scene without drawing attention. It turned out really cool.
What does it feel like to work on a major international production? Would you like to work on more of them?
It was my first time filming. I was especially happy when they said I would sign a contract with Disney. I didn’t know what was happening. At first I felt a little nervous. After a while I took it all in, calmed down and really enjoyed it. The entire crew, all the people there, everything was so cool. I would love to keep filming with such an amazing team.
Did your work at the Film Academy for Talents school with Natalia, Tsvyatko and all the other teachers help you get this far?
Yes, they helped me a lot. They gave me very valuable advice and lessons.
Do you have other plans for future roles? What kinds of films would you like to appear in?
I really love playing different roles. I would love to appear in more interesting films like this, but one day I want to play a character of my own.
Who helps you most on your path in cinema, your parents or someone else?
My parents are always there for me. Mum always asks whether I want to take part in castings for films and series. They help me pursue my career.
