Awarded the Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, Radu Jude’s film Kontinental’25 has been bought by distributors in 21 countries.
The countries include France (acquired by Méteore Films), Italy (I Wonder Pictures) and Greece (Cinobo). MCF Megacom Film has obtained the rights for Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Kosovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Albania.
Interviewed by FNE, the director said: “I am so pleased that our film is continuing its journey through festivals and cinemas. Some of the crew and cast helped finance the film in exchange for a percentage of sales. We didn’t think the film would be such a commercial success, so I’m delighted that the interest generated by the film pays them for their work. I hope this is good news for young film-makers and especially for those who think you need a lot of money to make a film. Not all films are the same, of course, but our film is proof you can make a competitive film at the international level with few means.”
Described by its director as “a low-budget independent film made quickly and well,” filming took place over 10 days with an iPhone 15 and minimal equipment.
Kontinental’25 is set in Cluj, Transylvania. Having been ejected from his squat in the basement of a house, a homeless man commits suicide. Orsolya, the bailiff who carried out the eviction, has to find a way to cope with his feelings of guilt.
