Film Review: A Cinematic Voyage: TIFF & Il Cinema Ritrovato

June is the most thrilling month. That is, in terms of my annual festival pilgrimage when Romania’s biggest international film fest, TIFF - Transilvania International Film Festival (this year between 9 and 18 June) is followed by the Italian Il Cinema Ritrovato (24 June – 2 July).

Unfolding in Cluj-Napoca, TIFF spotlights international productions, but its main relevance for the local industry is its ample selection of nationally-produced fare. A large number of the past year’s films, whether already premiered or not, are selected for the Romanian Days, making the event the meeting place of the local industry, and a magnet for international guests focusing on Romanian cinema.