Romania!!

Andreea Mateiu, screenwriter of the short film LEAF, Horatiu Carpiuc’s debut film, attended the 17th edition of the SFR this week, a film festival held in the city of Iași, Romania.
At the event, we had the honour of meeting and sharing the stage with the great Irina Margareta Nistor, Romania’s best-known film critic.

LEAF is one of the latest releases from the brilliant Romanian producer George Dogaru.

LEAF had its world premiere at the first edition of HollyShorts Dubai and has since been screened at film festivals around the world.

Horatiu Carpiuc about LEAF:

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.

Some of the most talented and established artists and professionals in the Romanian film industry have contributed to this production.

Andi Vasluianu, Ruxanda Burlacu, Uretyan Reinhardt are the main characters. Eugen Keleman, is the Editor; and Robert Ioniciou is the DOP Cinematographer

Horatiu Carpiuc is putting the finishing touches to his second short film, which is due to premiere next year on the international film festival circuit.