Sibiu: Main Character at Astra Film Online

Sibiu shines as the main character in "Sibiu-Hermannstadt", created in 1997. For 45 minutes, we learn about the splendor and decay of the city, often compared to Vienna and seen as the strongest bastion of Christianity. The back story of the film was an adventure itself. Thousands of images were shot, including aerials, with the (insufficient) equipment that the Astra Film Studio had at its disposal at the time. Cultural and religious personalities, architects and historians were involved in this project, the late composer and conductor Marian Didu generously offered one of the symphonies for the soundtrack, and the film is narrated by actor Ion Caramitru, the Minister of Culture at that time. Directed by Dumitru Budrala and Paul Barbăneagră, recently returned from exile in Paris for this project. The film coincided with the launch of the campaign for the restoration of Sibiu, a project that would culminate in 2007, the year of the European Capital of Culture, and can be said to have fully contributed to the city's cause in European chancelleries and international political and economic circles.

After exactly 20 years, the city would celebrate 825 years of historical mentions. "Sibiu 825", made in 2017, makes an emotional chronicle of the city, from its beginnings until present times. The story progresses through the centuries, focusing on moments of great balance, which tested the very existence of the city, alternating with periods of flourishing, when Sibiu, increasingly strong and prosperous, gains a dominant position in the region, becoming, in different periods of its history, the commercial, religious, military, administrative and cultural center of Transylvania.

So on Sunday, May 3rd, starting at 18:00, we invite you to look at an extraordinary city over time and over the times.