Astra Film Chișinău. Documentary film is the road that brings destinies and communities together

Astra Film Chisinau was a true celebration of documentary film, which lasted three days, like in a fairy tale, bringing to the audience in the capital of Moldova something of the charm of the prestigious festival that has been held continuously in Sibiu since 1993. The audience had the opportunity to meet Romanian filmmakers and watch some of the best non-fiction films from the Astra Film Festival selection. The films dedicated to young people, followed by film literacy workshops, and the "Floare de Maidan" concert (Subcarpathian Cultural Centre) had a special charm. The Astra Film Chisinau event was organised by Astra Film and CNM Astra and financed by the Romanian Government's Department for Relations with the Republic of Moldova and the Romanian Cultural Institute through its representation in Chisinau.

The films screened at Astra Film Chisinau, many of which won major awards at the Sibiu festival, were grouped into two themes with profound meanings ("Roads that bring us closer" and "Destinies & communities"). Hundreds of spectators came to see the documentaries, and the opening film, "Transalpina - The Road of Kings", screened in the presence of director Dumitru Budrala, was packed in the Great Hall of the National Art Museum of Moldova.

"I was very pleased with the way we were received by the people of Chisinau and the interest shown by the audience, who came in such large numbers to see non-fiction films. I spoke to many fascinating people and was reinforced in my conviction that documentary film is a cultural language that goes straight to the soul and mind of the viewer. A path that brings together destinies and communities", said Dumitru Budrala, Founding Director of Astra Film Festival.

"The success of this year's edition in Chisinau convinced us to make every effort to continue our collaboration with Astra Film in Moldova in the years to come", said Adrian Dupu, Secretary of State of the DRRM.

Among the audience of all ages were high officials such as Adrian Dupu (Secretary of State, DRRM), Sergiu Prodan (Minister of Culture), Anatolie Topală (Ministry of Education and Research), Cristian-Leon Țurcanu (Ambassador of Romania to the Republic of Moldova) and Graham Paul (Ambassador of France to the Republic of Moldova), numerous people of culture from the Republic of Moldova, such as Virgil Mărgineanu (President of the Union of Filmmakers of Moldova), Valentina Iusuphodjaev (Director of the National Centre of Cinematography of the Republic of Moldova), Tudor Zbârnea (Director of the National Art Museum of Moldova), director and screenwriter Dumitru Olărescu and many others.

The enthusiasm of the audience at the Astra Film Chisinau screenings proved once again the importance of cultural links, which are real "roads that bring together destinies and communities".