Ilia Dobrev graduated from the National Academy of Theater and Film Art in 1967 in Acting for Theatre in classes of Metodi Andonov. He played over 60 drama parts, and directed more than 40 plays. As an actor he took part in more than 20 films as well as in 20 TV dramas. He is known for The She-Wolf . Beyond the Line is his debut as a feature film director.
