Romanian film review: Open-Airs for the Summer, Part 2
<h4>The heat has been never-ending and relentless this summer. The only thing that makes it more tolerable are the nights and for film buffs, all the night-time outdoor events. You could also call them the tropical movie nights of 2024.</h4>
<p>Speaking of “tropical”, there is one initiative I have not mentioned so far, but it is by the seaside, and it is a great one. Based in Eforie, the popular resort on the Black Sea coast, <strong>Grădina Cinemascop</strong> (the Cinemascop garden) is hosting screenings until 1 September, from Tuesday to Sunday: documentaries, short films, features. The following days include possibly the most thrilling pic to watch outside, one big adrenaline rush, George Miller’s spectacular <em>Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga </em>(2024)<em>, </em>and Darnell Martin’s musical biopic <em>Cadillac Records </em>(2008). The entrance is free. The Garden also organises concerts and exhibitions in a lovingly curated programme, and in July it also hosted Cinemascop Festival, showcasing music, art, and movies. Check out their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/eforiecolorat">current schedule here</a>.</p>
<p>Also by the water, this time in the Danube Delta, in Sfântu Gheorghe, <a href="https://www.festival-anonimul.ro/"><strong>ANONIMUL</strong></a> is happening until Sunday, August 18. One of the established summer film festivals, the international independent fest has a competition of Romanian and international shorts, an international feature competition, and many more screenings. There is much to recommend here, but most of all the wonderful atmosphere.</p>
<p>In Bucharest, film lovers are practically spoiled with open air options, and a new one has just kicked off.  After having been stationed in <a href="https://www.romania-insider.com/romanian-film-review-open-airs-summer-jul-2024">Brașov</a>, the hard-working <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Cinemainaerliber/">Caravana Metropolis</a> has arrived in Bucharest with <strong>Cinema în aer liber</strong> (Cinema Open Air). Films are screened almost daily until 8 September at Titan park. There is new fare, like Nikolaj Arcel’s epic, bleak period drama <em>The Promised Land/ Bastarden. </em>Comic relief and lightness come with Aki Kaurismäki’s tender love story <em>Fallen Leaves/ Kuolleet lehde</em>, one of my favourites from last year. With the driest humour and most laconic lines, the Finnish director does his wonderful best with the same elements: great actors, vibrant colours, karaoke, dive bars, cute dogs. And a most touching love for his characters. A perfect open-air film indeed. François Ozon’s amusing period comedy <em>The Crime Is Mine/ Mon crime </em>is also the ideal summer flick: light, sleek, and goofy. I was so happy to see Alejandro Amenábar’s <em>The Sea Inside/ Mar adentro</em> (2004) on the programme. A film with a very serious topic, I wonder if the association with the sea put it on the list, but whatever the reason, it is great to see it shown. I remember watching it ages ago and to this day I think of it whenever I see Spanish actor Javier Bardem (now a superstar, working both in Spanish-language films and US blockbuster like the <em>Bond</em> series). Based on true facts, it tells the story of Ramón Sampedro, who fought for his right to end his life after a terrible accident had left him paralysed from the neck down. Not without its emotional button-pushing moments, the film is nevertheless moving and Bardem superb in it. You can check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Cinemainaerliber">full programme on Facebook</a>. The entrance is free.</p>
<p><em>By Ioana Moldovan, columnist, <a href="mailto:ioana.moldovan@romania-insider.com">ioana.moldovan@romania-insider.com</a></em><br />
<em>(Photo info &amp; source: Cinemascop festival evening ©Diana Paun// @Eforie Colorat Facebook page)</em></p>
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