ICR Romanian Cultural Institute London

Romanian cinema @ Edinburgh

The New Europe Film Festival showcases the best feature films coming from countries that joined the European Union in 2004 and 2007. Romania's contribution this year are the two award-winning California Dreamin' (Endless) by Cristian Nemescu and The Paper Will Be Blue by Radu Muntean.

Inspired by a real incident during the war in Kosovo, California Dreamin' (Endless) is a forceful drama that illustrates Romanians' fascination with the American dream. It was awarded the Un certain regard prize in Cannes 2007. President of the jury, Pascale Ferran, called it "far and above, the most lively and liberated film proposal I've seen in ten days here".

The screening will be followed by Q&A session with scriptwriter Tudor Voican.

The Paper Will Be Blue is a nightmarish story set in December 1989 during the Romanian revolution. The film's sense of atmosphere is immediate and captivating, aided by director Radu Muntean's handheld camerawork (and undoubtedly the fact that he himself was a soldier in '89) - Doug Cummings, Film Journey, June 2007.

The festival opening will see Balkan band Paprika Balkanicus play traditional Eastern-European music with a hint of swing and jazz. The band has seduced masses at international festivals like Glastonbury, Balkan Fever London, Secret Garden Party, Diaspora Music Village and Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
"Amazing performance - they hit the audience like a Balkan storm!" - Mio Matsuda/JVC Japan

Click here for the festival's programme.

The Romanian Cultural Institute supports the participation of Romanian filmmaker Tudor Voican and Paprika Balkanicus band at the New Europe Film Festival in Edinburgh.

When: 4 April, 5.45 pm (California Dreamin' (Endless)); 5 April, 5.30 pm (The Paper Will Be Blue);
Where: Filmhouse Cinema, 88 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH3 9BZ;
Tickets: £6 / £4.50 conc. Box office: 0131 228 2688