The Light That Memory Lends to Things

An artist decides to involve his audience in the making of his magnum opus: The Destruction of Art.

Rodica is a Romanian expat living in Belgium who works hard to support her family. Her love for her children is at once powerful and suffocating. Shot in stark black and white, and with the camera staying within close proximity to its protagonists, the film’s minimalist approach offers a glimpse into the complex intimacies of this family. This is a film about love, fear, anxiety and the complicated emotions that emerge at their intersection.

Maria, a 48-year-old woman, is trapped between two worlds—one guided by asceticism, the other fuelled by the need to reconnect and be with her two sons. Through carefully composed shots and minimalistic sound, we glimpse into her everyday life, thoughts, and emotions.

The opening session of the 10th edition of Green Years marks the return of Ana Vîjdea to this section. After having won the Doc’s Kingdom Best Green Years Director Award in 2017, she now presents December, Radio Romania. The film follows the celebrations of several national holidays in a Romanian public radio station. From live shows to backstage parties, the film guides us through a space haunted by a complex history.