How are LGBTQ community members represented in Romanian cinema? The film that won an award at Cannes
In recent years, characters in television and film have become more diverse, surpassing historical limits regarding race and sexual orientation.
Today, moviegoers are more likely than ever to see LGBT characters on screen, which plays an important role in changing public perception of the LGBT community.
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Romanian cinema is also part of this trend, with at least seven feature films and three TV series addressing LGBT issues.
The film "Legături Bolnăvicioase" ("Sickly Connections"), directed by Tudor Giurgiu and released in 2006, presents the emotional story of two young women, Alex and Kiki, who fall in love and navigate the complexities of their relationship in a conservative society.
"După dealuri" ("Beyond the Hills"), a 2012 film directed by Cristian Mungiu, does not explicitly address LGBTQ+ relationships, but explores the deep and tense connection between two women, Voichița and Alina. This film touches on themes of sexual and religious repression.
In 2017, Ivana Mladenovici brought "Soldații. Poveste din Ferentari" ("Soldiers. Story from Ferentari") to the big screen. Adapted from Adrian Șchiop's novel, the film follows the relationship between anthropologist Adi and former inmate Alberto. This love story explores marginalization and sexual identity in a harsh and unwelcoming environment.
Another notable film is "Un om la locul lui" ("A Decent Man"), directed by Hadrian Marcu in 2018. The protagonist, Petru, played by Bogdan Dumitrache, faces internal conflicts related to his sexual identity in a captivating story about self-discovery and acceptance.
"Several Conversations About a Very Tall Girl", released in 2018, tells the story of two girls who meet and develop a romantic relationship. The film explores the complexities and intimacies of a relationship between two women with a sensitive and authentic approach.
Eugen Jebeleanu directed "Câmp de maci" ("Poppy Field") in 2020, a film about a Romanian gendarme, Cristi, who tries to hide his sexual orientation and his relationship with Hadi. This film brings to the forefront the struggle for acceptance and the right to love freely.
"Three Kilometers to the End of the World", the most recent Romanian gay-themed film, explores relationships and identity in the LGBTQ+ community. It is a story about love and self-discovery, presenting an authentic portrait of the life and challenges faced by people in this community.
Adi, a 17-year-old teenager from a village in the Danube Delta who studies in Tulcea, returns home during a summer vacation when his family is suddenly confronted with a truth they neither understand nor accept. The unconditional love Adi should receive from his parents abruptly disappears. The film won the Queer Palm award at the Cannes Film Festival this year.
Pro TV has also started opening up to the LGBTQ+ community in series watched by millions of viewers. In 2019, Ovi, played by Hristu Trică, was the first gay character in a Romanian TV series, "Profu'" ("The teacher").
In the series "Vlad" there is a scene that captures the love and physical attraction between two women, played by some of Romania's most beautiful actresses, Monica Bârlădeanu and Raluca Aprodu.
In "Groapa" ("The Pit"), one of the most-watched series on Voyo, soon to be aired on PRO TV, none other than Emil Rengle appears, who, after picking up a young man in a club, retreats with him to a hotel room.
