The 10^th Romanian Film Festival in London

TURNING THE PAGE

Thu 28 Nov – Mon 2 Dec 2013

www.rofilmfest.com

Screenings will take place at: Curzon Soho (99 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 5DY) between Thu 28 Nov – Sun 1 Dec 2013 EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development - One Exchange Square, London EC2A 2JN) on Mon 2 Dec 2013

The ROMANIAN FILM FESTIVAL IN LONDON (RFF) features, every year, a glittering and stimulating array of titles at a leading London cinema.

“2013, the year of our 10 year anniversary, signals a moment of unique importance for the Romanian communities here in Britain, in Europe, and the rest of the world. Back in 2003 our task was to amplify the voice of the Romanian community in the English speaking capital, to create a focal point for contemporary Romanian culture, and to join forces with the network of cultural exhibits in London. 10 years on, as an integral part of our community abroad, we now prepare to help build the cultural infrastructure of the rapidly growing diaspora, which is experiencing changes with consequences for the culture both here and at home. Romanians are increasingly accepting British citizenship, joining businesses in Britain and elsewhere in Europe, starting their own companies, and settling into such institutions as universities. Children are attending schools, and parents are working in caring professions. The result is to raise new questions about rights, nationality and identity.

The RFF is one of the enterprises responding to these changes, and as such, also attempts to reach out beyond the limited issues of ethnicity and cultural ownership, by creating a platform from which we can view the broader questions of identity. For example, about where and how we fit into a new society, about our role as part of a network of dynamic migrant groups who are acting as a catalyst in changing the countries of Western Europe, and about our future as a minority in the broader European landscape.

The RFF is an important part of a long term exploration of these questions, providing as it does, a link where Romanians can engage in a dialogue with compatriots, reflecting on the meaning and significance of their personal history, and rediscovering their own role in it.” - Ramona Mitrica, festival director

Starting from humble beginnings the RFF has now acquired an international reputation and become an essential event in the London filmgoers’ calendar. Although the RFF is a not-for-profit enterprise, functioning with the help of grants and sponsorship from our numerous friends and supporters, its influence and effects have spread throughout the world of cinema, and beyond.

The RFF took off in 2003. The Romanian New Wave cinema was about to take off at the same time, highlighting remarkable actors and young directors. Supported and inspired by these sparkling new talents, the Festival went from strength to strength. For example, in Britain, we were the first to screen the short films and the debut feature of the prizewinning director Cristian Mungiu, who went on to forge an international reputation, and remains a friend and supporter of the event. In the ensuing years a long list of actors and directors have shown their work at the RFF, then developed into household names. At the same time the Festival has continued to celebrate the classic Romanian cinema, acquainting British audiences with the best in our tradition. In 2004, for example, the highlight of the festival was the Lucian Pintilie Retrospective, which featured a stimulating appearance by the director.

The history and successful track record make the Romanian Film Festival in London one of the major Romanian cultural events of the year in Britain. From its beginnings at a small art-house cinema in Central London, it has grown steadily to present a wide spectrum of Romanian-language cinema, from major hits to cutting edge new directors and retrospectives. RFF aims to reach an important audience eager to celebrate Romanian achievements.

As a result, the Festival has always been an important means of transmitting a positive message about Romania, and the rest of the East and Central European region. In contrast to routine media coverage, the films being screened are among the few positive contributions to images of life in the region. Ironically, the New Wave directors have been among the most acute and perceptive critics of Romania’s post revolutionary society, but this has been far from promoting a negative image of the country. Instead, in London, Berlin, Cannes and New York, their films have been recognised as a challenge to stereotypes, offering audiences a detailed understanding of Romanians as individuals like themselves.

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“As part of its ten year celebration the RFF is pleased to announce the inaugural annual Profusion scholarship scheme. The scheme will begin by offering assistance in the fields of fund raising, supervision and mentoring, and the eventual intention is to promote films based on the diasporic experience and to encourage the development of young people growing up in the diaspora. The Profusion scholarship will be launched at a special event during the Festival in the presence of the first recipient.” – Dr Mike Phillips OBE, festival consultant

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Widely viewed as a celebration of Romania and its spirit, the RFF is supported both by the UK-Romanian community, and various British and Romanian organisations. RFF is a not-for-profit enterprise, functioning with the help of grants and sponsorship from our numerous friends and supporters. The Romanian Film Festival in London is organised by Profusion International Creative Consultancy, in partnership with The National Centre of Cinematography in Romania and Curzon Cinemas. Supported by The Department for Romanians Abroad (DPRRP), ROMANi-ONLiNE.co.uk, EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development), Embassy of Romania to the UK.

Save the dates for our 5-day celebration of film! Join the festival Facebook page http://facebook.com/RoFilmFest for some great news, competitions and prizes, your chance to meet the top actors and directors invited, and more!