In recent years Romanian films have won prizes and praise a-plenty. It’s time to explore what makes them so special.

‘After a while, you feel you’re living inside these movies as much as watching them’
AO Scott, The New York Times

Since The Death of Mr Lăzărescu created a buzz at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival, followed two years later by 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days winning the Palme d’or, Romanian cinema has really made a mark. Several directors have compiled substantial oeuvres; others are following. Many of their films are notable for a low-key naturalism mixing psychological precision, subtle social commentary and a keen awareness of ethical complexity; meanwhile, suspense and a dark sense of humour bring great variety to the realist aesthetic. In their many considerable achievements the directors have been helped by major talents like cinematographer Oleg Mutu, writer Răzvan Rădulescu, not to mention a host of fine actors, perhaps most notably Luminit‚a Gheorghiu and Teodor Corban. This survey merely scratches the surface of an exciting cinematic phenomenon. Explore, savour, enjoy!

Written by season curator Geoff Andrew