November 22:  19.00 – 21.30 h

Location: Goethe Institute Rotterdam, Westersingel 9.

Introduction: Bianca Olivia Nita, writer and co-founder of Spotlight:Romania

Tickets: 10 E, coffee, thee and a glass of wine included

Reservation: info@carmensylva.nl

ABOUT THE FILM:

Mining used to be important during communism. Mining towns were built from scratch in that period, their community life centered around the mines. The profession itself was dangerous, but stable and lucrative. It created camaraderie and made people proud.  And all this is now part of a distant past. The industry collapsed after 1989, and as the authorities see no economic value in the industry, they also don’t see value in its history and the culture it created. So Petrila mine, just like other mines in the region, is facing closure followed by complete demolition. But artist Ion Barbu won’t let that happen.  He is on a mission to preserve the cultural heritage of Petrila and transform the closed mine into a cultural center. An ex-miner himself, his resistance and determination take unexpected forms. Through murals, performances, protests and a theater festival, Barbu fights dry pragmatism with color and spontaneity, and in the process illustrates the cultural potential of Petrila, if given the chance to exist. As the clock is ticking, only one question remains: will this be enough to turn around Petrila’s faith?

Spotlight: Romania is the only festival in the Netherlands focused exclusively on Romanian cinema and contemporary art. The 4th Edition of the festival takes place 1 – 18 December in De Nieuwe Regentes Theater The Hague

www.eastwards.nl