Cristian Mongiu, filmaker from Romania

Cristian Mongiu grew up in a Communist dictatorship with a fully developed secret police.  He managed to avoid military service by continuing his education, graduating with a degree in English literature.  He is fluent in English, French and his native Romanian.  He had little access to films in theatres, but in the 1980's with VCR he watched and shared many movies, even helping to translate some of them.  Like many Romanians he was aware of events in Europe mainly through Radio Free Europe, but was caught off guard by the 1989 Romanian Revolution.  He was in journalism at the time which underwent dramatic changes as the censor regime collapsed.

In the 1990's he decided to go to a film school.  There were no actual copies of most of the movies they were studying.  He felt his knowledge of films was very little when he graduated in 1998.

In 2003 Cristian formed Mobra Films with Oleg Motu and Hanno Hofer.  Hanno Hofer was a composer who did the music for two of Cristian's movies.  Oleg Motu was a cinematographer who supervised the camera work for many of Cristian's movies and had won some international awards.

"Occident" (2002) was Cristian's first film as director and writer.   It was a comedy about Romanian society.  It was nominated for the Cannes Film Festival.

"4 Months 3 weeks and 2 days" (2007) won the Palme d'or  (plus two other awards) at Cannes, but when it came to the Oscars it failed to make the short list.  This upset authorities and they instituted new rules.  Very emotional topic--abortion, specifically an illegal abortion.  It is not likely to change the opinion of many,   In Romania of 1987 abortion would result in a prison sentence or even worse.  We don't know the background but one room mate wants an abortion and the other agrees to help.  Somehow they contacted an illegal abortionist and soon find themselves being manipulated by him for more money.  They are already near the end of their resources, but push further.

 What shocks viewers is an explicit replica of a fetus with some recognizable human features being dumped.  It is only for a few seconds, but lets viewers know a life is lost.

Vlad Ivanov who plays the tough abortionist went on to act in "Graduation." and "Tales from the Golden Age" with Cristian.  Two other noteworthy Romanian film for him was "Police, Adjective" (2009 directed by Cornelius Pormboiu))  and "Child's Pose" (2010  directed by Calin Peter Netza) with  each winning two awards at Cannes He went on to an international career with  "Whistleblower" (2010),  "SnowPiercer" (20130 and "Toni Erdman" (2016).

Another actor, Alexandru Potocean was also in "Whistleblower"  Another international film for him was "The Way Back." (2010)/

"Tales from a Golden Age"  (2009) was written by Cristian, but used several directors for different segments.   Broken down to a number of short stories each of which highlights as aspect under Communist rule from a satirical perspective.  Among other motives it seems Cristian used his international fame to leverage more respect for Romanian film makers.  PHOTO

"Beyond the Hills" (2012) was originally inspired by an incident in a monastery, but it was decided to develop another story line.  It has been criticized as being anti-religious, but it is dealing with deep human emotions. The priest as portrayed as a honest man striving to do the right thing.  What drew the director/writer was the exorcism that resulted in a death.

This film won for Cristian, the best script award at Cannes and best actress for Cristina Flutar.

Cristian had to seek more money and with that as he puts it, you get more "opinions."  Noteworthy with this movie he included the two Belgian brothers Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne and they also helped with "Graduation."

The DVD came with an interesting second disc with special features.  Sitting in a comfortable chair or couch and being entertained for about two hours one is not really conscious of all the work that goes into a film.  It started based on an actual event, but Cristian decided to not follow too exactly.  He did try to duplicate the landscape and buildings which required a long period of building so much that rehearsals started while construction was still in progress.  The film was set partly in winter which meant waiting for snow, but then they had planned to work through heavy weather but found that the cold was difficult.  He also demonstrated some of the details of adjustments.

Valeriu Andriuta  had appeared in "Occident" and while planning this film Cristian not quite willing to make a commitment was looking for Valeriu's type to play the priest.  The catch was he wanted the priest to have a traditional beard.  He had not seen Valeriu for several years as he had moved to Ireland and not been involved with acting.  Over the phone he asked Valeriu if had a beard and ironically he had until the day before when he had shaved it off.  Without a commitment he agreed to start growing one.  In the end he played a very convincing priest.  Valeriu also appeared in "Graduation" in a bit role.

"Graduation" (2016) dealt a lot with corruption, but Cristian indicates that the underlying theme is to do with parenting.  In society parents need to educate their children to the realities.  In Romania there is level of corruption that affects everyone. "We all complain in Romania about the level of corruption without understanding that we are responsible for it."  

It came out that Mongiu believes in many takes.  He explains that he is trying to maintain a precise emotion.  He invites the editor to the filming as part of the process.

At a forum (from special features) Cristian expressed concerns that there aren't enough theatres in Romania, large numbers having been closed.  He wanted to debut his film at the same tie as shown for the Cannes festival, but couldn't. He also felt viewers needed to be better educated to appreciate films that aren't "popular." Earlier" 4 months 3 weeks 2 days" was put on a tour.  The number of theatres has gradually increased, but Critsian still feels most Romanians see films as only entertainment whereas he feels they also can be more

In addition to writing, directing and directing his own films Cristian has produced  other films and television shows. Most recently a producer for a German-Romanian series, "Hackerville" (2018).

In response to a question at Cannes Cristian explained that there is always a story behind the action in the film.  We never exactly know what brought the characters to where we first see them.  He feels everyone is limited in their choices by their upbringing and education. 

Cristian, a frequent visitor to Cannes felt that Cannes helps to preserve smaller movies,(not the more popular blockbusters).  The world benefits from more diversity.

Romania is yet another country that offers the world worthy films.  Although Cristian is pre eminent he is not the only one and is supported by actors and technical people.

French Canadian films are a credit to Canada

Here in English speaking Canada we are not very conscious that the rest of the world has a positive view of our country in part because of Quebec's French Canadian film makers.  In 2004, "The Barbarian Invasions" won the Oscar for best foreign language film.  Over the years a number of Quebec films have made the final cut for foreign language Oscar nominations:  "Jesus of Montreal"  "The Decline of the American Empire" "Incendies"," Monsieur Lahzar" and most recently,  "War Witch." 

Because of Quebec sensitivities about being a language minority they have fought in various ways to protect their heritage.  The future is in the hands of our youth and Quebeckers realized that movies get the attention of the young.  If they can be pulled away from the Hollywood onslaught there is some hope the language and culture will be respected.

"Mon Oncle Antoine" in 1971 is considered a Canadian masterpiece.  It was considered Claude Jutra's best film. He had gotten off to an early start in Canada (after completing medical studies), but then went to France where he worked with Francois Truffaut and Jean Rouch.  Another movie of his, "Kamourouska" featured Genevieve Bujold, a Quebec actress that went onto Hollywood success.

Denys Arcand was another prominent director and writer that created international recognition.  He started out early while at the Universite de Montreal by co directing a movie.  He worked for the National Film Board of Canada and did a film,so controversial about the Quebec textile industry that it was withdrawn from the public.  "The Decline of the American Empire" in 1986 with an intellectual and sexual overtones won awards at Cannes as did  "Jesus of Montreal" in 1989.   "The Barbarian Invasion" developed even more attention, not only at Cannes, but also winning best foreign film at the Oscars.--Marie-Josée Cruze in that film won best actress at Cannes.  I had been very struck--with  her smile in "The Diver, Bell and  Butterfly" an excellent movie made in France and had assumed she was European French,   

Denys's brother Gabriel has been a stalwart actor in Quebec.  Recently enjoyed his performance in "The Auction" and "Congorama"  Earlier he had played in Quebec favorite, "Les Plouffe."

Denis Villeneuve director/writer, in 2000 brought up "Maelstrom" and won a lot of recognition in Canada and for Marie-Josée Cruze.  Another award winner "Polytechnique"came out in 2009 depicting a tragic anti-female incident.  "Incendies" broke new ground in 2010.  I had been warned about the underlying surprise, but it still is very shocking once you get inside the head of the two protagonists and watch them uncover layers of confusion and hate.  One of the most powerful films I have ever seen and I did feel it was the best film I saw that year.  It was nominated for a the best foreign film at the Oscars.  Since then Denis has been recognized by Hollywood and has directed, "Prisoners" and "Enemy"both with Jake Gyllenhaal with more getting set for release.

Philip Falardeau in 1993 won a tv contest that required him to travel and take 20 shorts.  From there he worked for the National Film Board and made two documentaries that gained national attention.  His first feature was "La Moetie gauche, du frig" gained international attention.  In 2006 he set up a Canada, Belgium and France co-production for "Congorama."  In 2008 the came up with another winner, "Cest pas moi je le jure." In Philippe  adapted a stage play, "Monsieur Lazhar" that was nominated for best foreign film in the Oscars.  This was a movie that the non Hollywood ending caught me off guard.  His latest film "The Good Lie" with Reese Witherspoon is his first Hollywood effort.

From "Monsieur Lazhar" another Canadian, young Sophie Nelisse who won an award for the film has gone on to play the lead in "The Book Thief"  

Stephane Lafleur who edited "Monsieur Lazhar"  was the director/writer for "The Auction" and recently released "Tu dors Nicole" that is making a good impression on the festival circuit.

Ken Scott, started as a writer and actor including "La Grande Seduction" (a.k.a. The Seduction of Dr Lewis") later he re wrote  in English as "The Grand Seduction."  He wrote the script for one of Quebec's greatest heroes, "The Rocket," Maurice Richard.  He wrote and directed "Starbuck" and then got to write the English version,  "Deliveryman" starring Vincent Vaughn. 

Jean-Marc Vallée is still another Quebecker who was grabbed by Hollywood.  A really different movie, "C.R.A.Z.Y."  got early attention and he also did "Cafe de Flore" with French actress Vanessa Paradis.  He directed Emily Blunt as "The Young Victoria."  He directed two actors to Oscar acting nominations in "Dallas Buyers club."

"Gabrielle," directed by Louise Archambault  portrays the problem of a mentally challenged young woman wanting to be independent.  It was the Canadian nomination for the Oscar best foreign language film, but didn't make the cut to the short list.

"War Witch"  (a.k.a. "(Rebelle") directed and written by Kim Nguyen, set in Africa was on the short list for best foreign language film at the Oscars.

Xavier Dolan  is an up and comer who has written, directed and acted in award winning movies and is now moving into English films.  Made his mark with "J'ai tue ma mere" ("I Killed My Mother") as director, writer, actor and costume designer.  acted in Canada's foreign langage Oscar nomination for 2014--"Mommy" won the jury prize at Cannes   Also noted for "Laurence Anyways".  In 2014 acted in "Elephant Song." an English language film.

Other notable films from Quebec include "Louis Cyr" another hero, but with a very human story to tell.   Directed by Daniel Roby and starring Antoine Bertrand who had a supporting role in "Starbuck" Other Quebec movies I enjoyed were "Gerry" put on by the Art Gallery of Hamilton World Film Festival and  "Bon Cop Bad cop" a bilingual action movie starring Patrick Huard and Colm Feore. 

As Canadians we should take pride in what our francophone brethren have contributed to national pride, but also help us understand  them a little better.  I was not able to view all of the movies listed, but put the ones I saw (and enjoyed) in bold letters.  Will be investigating the others.