The Romanian film trilogy Moromeții will be showcased at the 54th edition of the Rotterdam International Film Festival (January 30 – February 9, 2025), one of Europe’s most prestigious film events, which annually screens hundreds of films across more than 20 sections. The three films directed by Stere Gulea, based on Marin Preda’s novels – Moromeții (1987), Moromeții 2 (2018), and Moromeții 3 (2024) – have been selected for the special Harbour section.
Hugo Emmerzael, film critic and festival programmer, explained his choice as follows:
“When Stere Gulea adapted Moromeții, Marin Preda’s celebrated 1955 novel, he captured an often-overlooked episode of Romanian history: the tumultuous and unstable period before and after World War II. An instant classic, Moromeții (1987) and its successful 2018 sequel, Moromeții 2, were hugely popular in Romania and for good reason: these rich, black-and-white films about a peasant family are profoundly human stories that show how ordinary Romanians navigate a constantly changing world. Moromeții 3 (2024) diverges slightly from the previous films. Gulea has crafted this new script based on Marin Preda’s biography. Protagonist Niculae Moromete is now a young, talented writer caught between art and propaganda during the Communist era […] Stere Gulea proves to be a skilled and sensitive director, creating a layered tapestry of Romanian society caught in the chaos of the 20th century.”
This marks the first time all three films are being presented together at an international festival of this caliber. The moment also represents the international premiere of the trilogy’s final installment – Moromeții 3. Director Stere Gulea, along with actors Alex Călin, Olimpia Melinte, and Mara Bugarin, will attend the screening.
“It is an honor for me to present the Moromeții trilogy at Rotterdam, such a prestigious festival. Rarely do all three films get screened together, which makes this moment even more special. I am delighted that the story of this Romanian peasant family has caught the attention of the Dutch programmers, and I look forward to hearing the audience’s reactions,” said director Stere Gulea.
Since its founding in 1972, the Rotterdam International Film Festival has focused on independent and experimental cinema, showcasing both emerging talents and established auteurs.