Below are some of the best Romanian directors ever. Click on their pictures to discover more about them
A Brief History of Romanian Cinema
While Romania had been home to several minor works, it wasn’t until the establishment of the National Film School in 1954 that it began to foster its own identity. During the communist era, Romanian cinema was heavily influenced by the government’s censorship policies, focusing on historical and ideological themes. This meant that its cinema was largely domestic and rarely made an international mark.
The 1990s and early 2000s marked a turning point for Romanian cinema, often referred to as the “Romanian New Wave.” This era witnessed the emergence of directors who focused on the realities of post-communist Romanian society, gaining international acclaim for their realistic and often stark portrayal of everyday life. Notable directors from this period include Cristian Mungiu, whose film “4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days” won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2007, and Corneliu Porumboiu, known for his film “12:08 East of Bucharest.” These directors, along with others like Cristi Puiu and Radu Muntean, have played a crucial role in placing Romanian cinema on the global map.
Contemporary Romanian cinema continues to evolve, with filmmakers exploring a variety of themes and styles. The focus on social realism remains a prominent feature, but there’s also an increasing interest in exploring historical narratives, personal stories, and experimental filmmaking. Directors like Calin Peter Netzer, who won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival for his film “Child’s Pose,” and Adina Pintilie, whose debut feature “Touch Me Not” won the Golden Bear in 2018, are indicative of this trend.
Bronze Screen Dream 