Moldova Celebrates its Brightest Cinematic Stars Across 14 Film Categories at The Moldova In Film Awards Gala 2024

Carbon, which hit the largest box office in Moldova in 2023, has also garnered a total of six trophies for "Best Feature Film," "Best Director" (Ion Borș), "Best Screenplay" (Mariana Starciuc), "Best Editing" (Sergiu Barajin), "Best Soundtrack" (Roman Bordei), and "Best Costume Design" (Lilia Ixari).

"Work hard, play hard was my motivation for the entire production team as we were a group of young enthusiasts and Carbon was an entire adventure. Thank you to everyone who has been with me from the beginning until the end",

mentioned director of the "Carbon" film, Ion Borș.

The Moldova in Film Awards Gala highlights the growing prominence of the Republic of Moldova in the national cinematic landscape, representing a market share of 17% in 2023, and showcasing its ability to produce outstanding and award-worthy films that captivate audiences and critics alike.

Minister of Culture Sergiu Prodan, a filmmaker himself, took the opportunity to promote the necessity of a film fund to spur the sustainable development of the local cinematography:

„In recent years, we've demonstrated that our films are sought after, desired, and in demand not only in Moldova, not just in the European Union, but also across the ocean. The cinema low ammendment to institute a film fund, which we want to promote in the Parliament, will ensure a multi years production cycle and a sustainable film ecosystem."

The international jury had the tough job of narrowing down winners from nearly 40 Moldovan film entries. At the Gala, "Varvara," directed by Anatol Durbală, and "Tunete" directed by Ioane Bobeica, received multiple awards, demonstrating their ability to resonate with audiences worldwide. "Varvara" was honored with two trophies for "Best Set Design" (Gabriela Răbuș) and "Best Original Music" (Pavel Malișev), while "Tunete" scooped three awards for "Best Cinematography" (Nicu Dragan, Ioane Bobeica), "Best Female Role" (Tincuța Josan), and "Best Male Role" (Anatol Mârzenco)

„I have built my career on music, as I am a singer, and not a professional actor. Today, as I win the award for Best Male Lead, realized that I have lived 65 years as a professional singer and still have art to share with the Republic of Moldova and the world through acting”,

said Anatol Mârzenco emotionally.

The award for 'Best Short Film' was given to the production 'I Am Dorin,' directed by Valeriu Andriuță; ‚Resourceful People,’ directed by Mircea Bobînă, received the award for ‚Best TV Series’; and 'Republic of Freedom. An Essay.' by Vadim Tristan Belocur was named 'Best Documentary Film.' The jury also gave a special mention Eugen Doga to journalists Viorica Tătaru and Andrei Captarenco for their documentary 'The Road of War: Irpin,' which was filmed at the beginning of the war in Ukraine.

One of the most emotional moments of the evening was when famous Moldovan composer Eugen Doga (83) took the stage, being awarded by the National Cinematography Center for his artistic contribution to the Moldovan cinema, and was given a standing ovation.

„We have gathered here tonight to congratulate the best, to encourage those who are not among the winners, and to move forward regardless of results, shoulder to shoulder, to produce films, to push things forward, and to make our country recognized internationally through films",

stated Virgiliu Mărgineanu, President of the Filmmakers Union.

„Sweden and our partners, USAID and the United Kingdom, are delighted to support the entire creative industry, and particularly the film sector in the Republic of Moldova on its journey to international markets",

mentioned the ambassador of Sweden to Moldova, Katarina Fried.

The Filmmakers Awards Gala, now in its second edition, is organized by the Filmmakers' Union of the Republic of Moldova under the Ministry of Culture, the National Cinematography Center, in partnership with USAID, Sweden and UKaid through the Future Technologies Activity. At this year's Gala, 37 domestic films were submitted, with just over 20 receiving nominations across the 14 award categories. The first edition took place in January 2020. The creative industry in Moldova is estimated at $175 million USD, employing 9,500 people and attracting youth at home to alienate outmigration and braindrain.