SHARPEN YOUR VIEW

We have been witnessing an exceptional year. The world started to erupt - in different ways - and even in Romania things seem to be cracking. Young generations challenge the establishment in the West, as well as in the East. One World Romania has chosen to reflect on these changes, bringing the world a bit closer to the Romanian audience. We have built the program of our 5th edition around some of the hottest topics in the air, bearing in mind that a good doc can sharpen our view and is able to cut through established perceptions.
Razor-like films may hurt but they also leave a trace. Humor is not excluded; it is more than welcome in our selection.

But this was also a year of separation. Last winter, we lost Václav Havel, who has inspired the founding of One World festivals around the globe. He was - and will continue to be - a great inspiration for us too and this is why we dedicate this edition to his memory. We have found in his writings insightful remarks on most of the topics that are structuring our program.
As usual, history adds a touch of irony: the day after Havel died, the North Korean leader followed. We don’t miss him, as we don’t miss the other dictators that fled in a row or are finally being nailed by justice… Maybe this way Václav Havel got the chance to speak his mind directly to Kim Il Jong at Heaven’s Door – we know he had a very strong opinion about him. But there’s a small dictator in every one of us. That is why small scale abuse or discrimination (be it sexual or ethnic) are big issues that need to be dug, exposed and discussed. Kids and old people are usual victims in most places. And so are refugees. One World Romania turns the magnifying glass of many good films on family traumas, intimate dirty laundry and identity troubles.
Prepare yourself for a wonderful journey. There’s a lot to explore, debate and take home with you from this festival. Enjoy!

Alexandru Solomon