Horatiu Carpiuc!!

It has been two weeks since Horatiu Carpiuc’s exciting, unforgettable and thrilling trip to Arizona to present his debut shortfilm, LEAF, in the official selection at the Sedona International Film Festival.

The audience received the short film with great enthusiasm, and we could feel the whole theatre buzzing with the drama written by Andreea Mateiu.

The screening took place at the magnificent and renovated Mary D. Fisher Theatre.

The Sedona International Film Festival has put together a programme of films from around the world, including films that have won awards at prestigious international festivals.

The experience of meeting artists from other countries and sharing ideas and impressions has been extraordinary.

The festival was organised perfectly, and we’re already working hard to try and do it all again next year with new films and new filmmakers.

LEAF stars Andi Vasluianu, Ruxanda Burlacu and Uretyan Reinhardt

Eugen Keleman is the Editor, Robert Ioniciou is the Cinematographer and Florin Tabacaru the sound engineer.

Synopsis:

A single father’s surprise for his 14-year-old daughter turns into a tense confrontation when he discovers her with an older boy, forcing them to confront their bond.

Director’s Statement

Frunză (Leaf) encourages communication, rational debate, and the willingness to embrace new ideas and perspectives — ones that may differ from the realities we are accustomed to.
I wish I could say that my motivation was to explore the theme of coming of age, which is a challenge faced by both characters. On one hand, there is the impulsive, naturally rebellious nature of the daughter, shaped by her age and on the other hand, there is the father, who is struggling with the fear of a third possible abandonment. Beyond reconnecting with his daughter, the father ultimately gains a deeper understanding — that sooner or later, every child must choose their own path. That is his own personal growth.
I could also say that I wanted to portray what healthy communication should look like, or to reflect an education rooted in culture and values, or even to shed light on the reality of domestic violence in Romania — an issue that remains widespread. The truth is, Leaf is my message in a bottle, cast into the ocean of time, addressed to my own daughter. A reminder that every conversation left unspoken shapes who we become.

LEAF had its world premiere at HollyShorts in Dubai and has since been selected for film festivals around the world.

The LEAF project received the highest score in the Romanian National Film Centre (CNC) competition in the screenplay category, securing funding for the project, written by Andreea Mateiu.

Horatiu Carpiuc has recently won the Romanian National Film Centre (CNC) competition once again with the screenplay for the short film Gorgota 2048, which he co-wrote and which is scheduled to go into production later this year.
Distribution will, naturally, be handled by Mailuki Films.

LEAF is a production by George Dogaru. He is undoubtedly one of the two most visionary and intuitive producers in the new wave of the Romanian film industry.

Thank you as always, Sedona Film Festival.

Next year will be even better.

Stay tuned. We’ll be announcing some exciting new developments very soon, including events for the Hollywood Oscars and the EFAs, European Film Awards.