An illustration of the evolution of the working conditions in the communist era, compared to the interwar period, using as a pretext a recently modernized factory in Jilava, presented in a mirror with the one described in a 1934 report by Geo Bogza.
1947 saw the Communists come to power in Romania. It was also the year leading up to the formation of Israel. The two fledgling entities, the Jewish State and the Socialist Republic of Romania, both wanted something: the former, people; the latter money and supplies. Radu Gabrea’s fascinating documentary looks at the various deals struck to facilitate this transfer, which effectively resulted in a European country selling its own citizens.
'Incurable' is what Romanian call them. They speak about 'the wrong side'. In this short film we follow a young man, fighting against this major taboo.
Poet, musician, intellectual, and committed communist Nina Cassian wrestled for decades with the central contradiction of her life: how to reconcile her artistic ideals with the strict censorship imposed by Romania’s Communist Party — a tension that put her at odds with the totalitarian Ceaușescu regime and eventually led to her exile. Interweaving archival footage with firsthand interviews, this thought-provoking documentary illuminates the complex relationships between art, politics, and personal truths.
In a poor country obsessed with making easy money, 100 bucks are enough to lose your mind for a couple of minutes. The members of a rock band come up with a bet: if you stick a light bulb in your mouth you can’t pull it out anymore. However absurd the idea may seem, it soon proves to be contagious…
Cătălin, a guru, is followed by a team of documentarians who are recording his attempt to spread his vision of life.
An actor cast as a priest has difficulty executing a prayer scene he has to film due to his inner turmoil. He is troubled by a failed love story and exasperated by his housing situation – he lives in the same apartment as an intrusive mother. At the intersection of these events in his life, the man seems to undergo a spiritual transformation, presented in a way that is devoid of sentimentality.
Animation short based on orthodox themes.
A driving instructor is struggling with his feelings for his student.
Documentary about the fall of the old city of Orșova due to the construction of the Iron Gates hydroelectric power station.
Arsenie Boca (1910 - 1989) was a Romanian Orthodox monk, theologian and artist. He was persecuted by the Communists and named among the 100 greatest Romanians.
"A planet of beings learning to crawl, walk and eventually fly." (YouTube user Kevinedge)
Life told through a series of memories.
While people in Western Europe were used to choose between hundreds of brands, the communist Romanian used to have a different experience: all our life we lived with only one brand for each basic product. Imagine the importance that this 'mono-brands' could acquire for the lives of those who made them and for the lives of those who consumed them. A love story between man and object.
