Romanian film review – Open-Airs for the Summer, Part 2

The heat has been never-ending and relentless this summer. The only thing that makes it more tolerable are the nights and for film buffs, all the night-time outdoor events. You could also call them the tropical movie nights of 2024.

Speaking of “tropical”, there is one initiative I have not mentioned so far, but it is by the seaside, and it is a great one. Based in Eforie, the popular resort on the Black Sea coast, Grădina Cinemascop (the Cinemascop garden) is hosting screenings until 1 September, from Tuesday to Sunday: documentaries, short films, features. The following days include possibly the most thrilling pic to watch outside, one big adrenaline rush, George Miller’s spectacular Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga(2024), and Darnell Martin’s musical biopic Cadillac Records(2008). The entrance is free. The Garden also organises concerts and exhibitions in a lovingly curated programme, and in July it also hosted Cinemascop Festival, showcasing music, art, and movies. Check out their current schedule here.

Also by the water, this time in the Danube Delta, in Sfântu Gheorghe, ANONIMUL is happening until Sunday, August 18. One of the established summer film festivals, the international independent fest has a competition of Romanian and international shorts, an international feature competition, and many more screenings. There is much to recommend here, but most of all the wonderful atmosphere.

In Bucharest, film lovers are practically spoiled with open air options, and a new one has just kicked off. After having been stationed in Brașov, the hard-working Caravana Metropolis has arrived in Bucharest with Cinema în aer liber (Cinema Open Air). Films are screened almost daily until 8 September at Titan park. There is new fare, like Nikolaj Arcel’s epic, bleak period drama The Promised Land/ Bastarden. Comic relief and lightness come with Aki Kaurismäki’s tender love story Fallen Leaves/ Kuolleet lehde, one of my favourites from last year. With the driest humour and most laconic lines, the Finnish director does his wonderful best with the same elements: great actors, vibrant colours, karaoke, dive bars, cute dogs. And a most touching love for his characters. A perfect open-air film indeed. François Ozon’s amusing period comedy