The 4th edition of Astra Film Chișinău brings award-winning documentaries
The Romanian documentary film festival, Astra Film, has returned to Chișinău for its fourth local edition.
Originating in Sibiu and boasting over 30 years of history, the festival offers the public an exceptional program of free screenings in Moldova, all accessible via prior registration. Following the documentary viewings, this cultural event will host dedicated debates on current affairs inspired by the films.
The first screenings of Astra Film Chișinău saw dozens of passionate spectators filling the halls. Their reasons for attending varied:
"I came to watch a documentary because it is crucial for understanding culture, seeing different perspectives, and promoting personal development."
"My goal is to observe the perspectives, the acting, and the directing from a more technical, cinematic viewpoint."
"I came with my group of friends not just to spend time together, but also to share a compelling cinematic experience."
Among the Romanian films and international selections screened are "Kabul, între rugăciuni" (Kabul, Between Prayers), awarded Best Documentary in the Emerging Voices section, and "Dragul meu Théo" (My Dear Théo), directed by the Ukrainian Alisa Kovalenko, which won Best Documentary in the Eastern Europe section.
The fourth edition of the event, funded by the Department for Relations with the Republic of Moldova (DRRM) within the Government of Romania, places a strong emphasis on its youth program: Astra Film Junior. This dedicated section brings 20 specially prepared screenings to its young audience of children and adolescents.
"Online harassment during adolescence is a topic we find challenging to clarify, as is the theme of the nearby war, explained through the real-life situations of teenagers living in these affected areas," says Mirela Olteanu, Head of Communication Service at DRRM.
Sara Budrala, the festival organizer, mentions the diversity of the selection: "We have brought films from Afghanistan, Ukraine, Norway—from all over the world. Our goal is to offer films where spectators and film lovers can gain intimacy with everyday people and resolve their own dilemmas through watching these documentaries."
The Astra Film Chișinău selection also includes the documentary "Grigore Vieru. Poetul neamului" (Grigore Vieru, Poet of the Nation), a film dedicated to the life and work of the great poet. Entrance is free; ticket reservations can be made on the official festival website: astrafilm.ro.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
