United Kingdom!!

Thrilled to announce that the short film LEAF, debut by the Romanian Director Horatiu Carpiuc, is an Official Selection at Lytham International Film Festival, UK.

Horatiu Carpiuc is in the running for all the festival awards with this production by George Dogaru.

The festival will take place from 3 to 6 September in the beautiful town of Lytham St Annes. The screening will be held at the town’s magnificent cinema.

LEAF had its world premiere at HollyShorts in Dubai. Since then, it has been selected for countless film festivals around the world.

LEAF is a story by Andreea Mateiu, starring Andi Vasluianu, Ruxanda Burlacu and Uretyan Reinhard, and marks the directorial debut of Horatiu Carpiuc, one of the standout discoveries of the year on the international film festival circuit.

Director 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.

Stay tuned, as we will soon be announcing further successes for this magnificent Romanian production, including festivals that qualify for the Hollywood Oscars.