Thematic program “Personal Perspectives”  

In 1970s Bucharest, Zahra and Maria form a deep friendship while studying at university. As political turmoil brews in Iran, Zahra is forced to return home, leaving Maria behind. Over the next decade, they maintain their connection through a series of letters, chronicling their struggles as women fighting for a voice and their respective countries moving in divergent directions. Despite the distance and obstacles, their longing for each other remains strong.

The programme was put together by film scholars dr. Renata Šukaitytė and dr. Zanė Balčus, with the aim to present a vivid trend in contemporary documentary film to communicate with the audience about complex issues of social and political life in a personally sensitive, aesthetically effective and intellectually provoking manner. 

Vlad Petri

Vlad Petri is interested in political and social subjects, often mixing personal images with official archives. His films, bordering between documentary and fiction, have been shown at international film festivals like Rotterdam, Sarajevo or Jihlava and Berlin.

Awards

Berlin International Film Festival – FIPRESCI Prize for the Best Film in Forum section, 2023
Zagreb Dox – Regional Competition, Special Mention, 2023
Transilvania International Film Festival – Best Romanian Feature Film, FIPRESCI Prize in Romanian Days competition 2023