This January, Romania brings its cinematic brilliance to the sunny desert oasis of Palm Springs, making a bold statement with three standout films at the 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF). Each film showcases a unique lens on life, history, and identity, proving that Romanian cinema is an unmissable force on the global stage. This unpreceded Romanian presence at the PSIFF is supported by the Romanian Cultural Institute in New York, highlighting our continued commitment to promoting Romania’s vibrant cinema in America and beyond.
Director: Bogdan Mureșanu
California Premiere – New Voices New Visions
Bogdan Mureșanu’s slyly funny tragicomedy dives into the seismic political shifts of 1989, intertwining the lives of six ordinary Romanians as they navigate the chaos of Nicolae Ceaușescu’s fall. Winner of the prestigious Orizzonti Award for Best Film at the Venice Film Festival, this feature debut from the director of the 2019 Palm Springs ShortFest Best of the Festival winner is razor-sharp, poignant, and brimming with irony.
Director: Emanuel Pârvu
California Premiere – Awards Buzz: Best International Feature Film
A tense and thought-provoking drama, Emanuel Pârvu’s award-winning film lays bare the hypocrisy and buried secrets of a rural Danube Delta village. When a gay teen is brutally attacked, the veneer of tranquility shatters, sparking a moral reckoning in this unforgettable exploration of community and corruption. Winner of the Queer Palm at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, this is a must-see for fans of boundary-pushing storytelling.
Directors: Tudor Giurgiu, Tudor D. Popescu, Cristian Pascariu
North American Premiere – True Stories
With Q&As with director Tudor Giurgiu
Tudor Giurgiu, Tudor D. Popescu and Cristian Pascariu serve up an ace with this electrifying documentary on tennis legend Ilie Năstase. Featuring never-before-seen archival footage and interviews with icons like Arthur Ashe and Billie Jean King, Nasty is a captivating portrait of Romania’s most flamboyant champion, charting his rise, rebellion, and unrivaled charisma on and off the court.