The Romanian New Wave: Realism, Dark Comedy, and Transcending the Mundane

Join us for a discussion of the Romanian New Wave, one of the most influential movements in contemporary world cinema. This session is a discussion only—there will be no film screening. Participants are encouraged to watch the films beforehand.

We'll explore three landmark feature films: The Death of Mr. Lazarescu, 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days, and Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World. Together, they illustrate the evolution of Romanian cinema from stark social realism to sharp, contemporary satire.

We'll also discuss two acclaimed short films, Traffic and Cigarettes and Coffee, which highlight the movement's distinctive style and themes.

Whether you're already familiar with Romanian cinema or discovering it for the first time, join us for an engaging conversation about these remarkable films, their directors, and the cultural and historical context that shaped them.