Thousands of people of all ages filled the cinemas at Astra Film Chișinău, which concluded this past weekend in Moldova’s capital. Their shared passion for culture, freedom, and truth—values embedded in documentary films—brought them together. Most screenings were sold out, and the most emotional moment was the dialogue between poet Ana Blandiana and the audience. Other moving highlights included over 3,000 children from Chișinău and its surroundings attending Astra Film Junior screenings with their teachers.
The third edition of Astra Film Chișinău, held between November 14–16, was organized by Astra Film/CNM Astra with support from the Department for Relations with the Republic of Moldova under the Government of Romania.
“Documentary films once again spoke in Chișinău about real life and the principles that keep us grounded and propel us forward. I was thrilled to see the enthusiasm of children leaving the cinema after the screenings. Documentary film education is a genuine need, especially in times when alternative educational methods that resonate with younger generations are increasingly necessary,” said Dumitru Budrala, founding director of Astra Film Festival.
Adrian Dupu, Secretary of State for DRRM, emphasized: “We sense a cultural effervescence in Chișinău and throughout Moldova, and I am delighted we managed to fund dozens of projects this year. Our goal has always been to bring the best of Romania here. Astra Film Festival is a high-quality cultural initiative established in Romania, and I am happy that it has become a key event on Moldova’s cultural map.”
"While watching the film, I feared you might find it boring, as its subject isn’t directly about Moldova. But the silence in the room showed me that you care, that you love us as much as we love you," Ana Blandiana remarked. The winner of the 2024 Princess of Asturias Award for Literature also told the audience—dominated by young people—that "freedom means constantly thinking for yourself, every minute, and not letting others tell you what is right."
She added, "In Romanian fairy tales, there’s a phrase: ‘the land where mountains clash.’ We have been ‘the land where empires clashed.’ In this context, I believe no one can judge us but ourselves. But we shouldn’t judge—we must now create a new history.“ She described Moldova’s steps toward the European Union as "a true miracle."
Nearly all Astra Film Junior screenings were sold out. Over 3,000 children from schools in Chișinău, Nisporeni, Ialoveni, Călărași, Leova, and Strășeni filled cinemas, embarking on imaginative journeys and life lessons through documentary films. “Whatever we do in life, we must never turn back or abandon our childhood dreams,” said one inspired young girl after a screening.
Evenings of Cinema and Debate
Afternoon screenings featured documentaries acclaimed at AFF2024 in Sibiu, including “In the Name of the Land” (Poland’s Oscar submission), “Leo Records: Strictly for Our Friends” (about a jazz enthusiast forced by the KGB to flee to London), and “The Martyr of Union” (about Protoiereu Alexandru Baltaga, a key figure in the 1918 unification of Bessarabia and Romania).
Evenings brought further discussions with guests and screenings of notable films such as “Alice On & Off,” Romania’s Best Documentary of the Year. Attendees engaged in a meaningful dialogue on adolescent challenges with journalist-director Ioana Vatamanu-Mărgineanu and psychologist Aurelia Bălan.
The festival also hosted a thought-provoking debate on cultural legacy following the screening of “Umberto Eco: The Library of the World.” Panelists Ioana Avădani, Paula Erizanu, and Arcadie Botnaru discussed how humanity can improve cultural knowledge and transmission in the age of digital technology and artificial intelligence.
Cultural Highlights. Astra Film Chișinău also featured a sold-out concert by the ever-surprising Ada Milea and two masterclasses led by director and professor Ana Vlad. These masterclasses represented a collaboration between UNATC Bucharest, AMTAP Chișinău, and Astra Film Festival.
