Romanian Filmmaker Corneliu Porumboiu to Grace 56th Visions du Réel

Corneliu Porumboiu, the acclaimed Romanian filmmaker, will be the special guest at the 56th edition of Visions du Réel, the renowned documentary festival held in Nyon, Switzerland, from April 4-13.

Retrospective and Masterclass

The festival will showcase a retrospective of all of Porumboiu's feature films, providing an immersive exploration of his unique cinematic vision. Additionally, Porumboiu will deliver a masterclass, offering invaluable insights into his craft and the evolution of Romanian cinema.

Exploring Romanian Society's Absurdities

Porumboiu's films are characterized by their dark humor and incisive examination of Romanian society's inherent absurdities. His works explore the complexities of the post-communist era and the societal transformations that have shaped the nation.

A Master of Cinema

With a career spanning nearly two decades and a filmography boasting 13 films, including six shorts, Porumboiu has established himself as one of the leading figures of contemporary Romanian cinema. His feature debut, "12:08 East of Bucharest," won the prestigious Caméra d'Or at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival.

Scrutinizing Social History

Guided by a realistic and politically astute approach, Porumboiu's films meticulously dissect Romania's recent social history. With deadpan humor and a rigorous aesthetic, he crafts a nuanced portrayal of characters navigating the complexities and contradictions of their opaque reality.

Love for the Absurd and Football

Porumboiu's passion for the absurd extends beyond the social sphere, finding expression in his recent paranoid thriller "The Whistlers" (2019). Furthermore, his interest in football, a personal connection due to his father's career as a professional referee, is evident in documentaries such as "The Second Game" (2014) and "Infinite Football" (2018).

Unique and Critical Vision

"Corneliu Porumboiu's films, often reminiscent of fables, cast a unique and critical eye on the transformations of Romanian society," remarked Emilie Bujès, artistic director of Visions du Réel. "We are honored to welcome him and explore his work's distinct perspective on reality."

The complete program for the 56th edition of Visions du Réel will be announced on March 12.