The anniversary edition of the Astra Film Festival 30 will kick off on Sunday, October 15, in Sibiu, with a film-event presented in the world premiere in the work-in-progress version: “Meeting Zelenskiy”, by Warner Herzog (director) and André Singer (producer). The organizers have also prepared other surprises: films screened for the first time, masterclasses with notable personalities of the documentary, such as the famous Pablo D’Ambrosi, who worked with artists such as Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Adele or Shinead O’Connor, special exhibitions signed by Dan Perjovschi, Iulian Ignat or Dumitru Budrala, concerts, book launches and the long-awaited “teleportation” into the future of cinema, with immersive films and full-dome projections.

AFF2023 competitions and special programs will screen 130 documentary films, most of them premieres, and dozens of other cinematic events. For tickets and the full schedule: https://www.astrafilm.ro/ro/2023/program-orar

The film “Meeting Zelenskyy/Meeting Zelenskyy”, by Warner Herzog (director) and André Singer (producer), which follows Volodymyr Zelensky’s remarkable journey over 30 years since the declaration of Ukraine’s independence, will be screened at the opening of the festival (Sunday October 15, Sala Thalia) in the work-in-progress version. The event will take place in the presence of producer André Singer. After the film, there will be a debate moderated by writer, publicist and diplomat Emil Hurezeanu.

Another projection-event will be that of the documentary “Calea Laptelui/The Milky Way”, by Dumitru Budrala. The film, presented in the work-in-progress version, is about mountain people, about shepherding, transhumance and myths, about the journeys made by these keepers of millennial traditions.

“This Blessed Plot” (2023) is a recent film by the British director Marc Isaacs, where the dead and the living coexist and where the border between this world and the next can be easily crossed. The film “Bogotá Change”, by the Danish director Andreas Mol Dalsgaard, is a story about the metamorphosis of the capital of Colombia, once one of the most dangerous cities in the world.

The special guest of the program Masters – A life in documentary will be the director and producer André Singer, winner of the Emmy award this year. With a career spanning 50 years, André Singer has directed and produced hundreds of film and television documentaries and worked with world-class figures in the field, such as Jean Rouch, Mike Grigsby, DA Pennebaker, Robert Drew and Fred Wiseman.

The famous Pablo D’Ambrosi, who has worked with artists such as Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones or Oasis will hold a masterclass that offers a unique insight into the complex process that transforms raw footage into iconic documentaries.

Irena Taskovski, film consultant who has collaborations with HBO Europe and festivals all over the world, will show what are the steps to follow “from idea to screen”. For her part, Hermione Eftstratiades from Greece, who has over 40 projects and films that premiered at festivals such as Cannes, Berlinale, Locarno or Tribeca, will hold a masterclass on project & film marketing.

Another long-awaited meeting is with filmmakers and anthropologists Véréna Paravel and Lucien Castaing-Taylor, who are part of the team of the Sensory Ethnography Lab at Harvard University. They will present their production “De Humanis Corporis Fabrica” ​​(2022), made in five Parisian hospitals. The film depicts the human body as a fascinating landscape, brought to life by the gaze and attention of those around.

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REHAU Window Solutions has inaugurated its Logistics Centre in Cisnădie, Sibiu county, marked by the REHAU 360°: Windows REVOLUTION event. The investment for the new facility amounts to 10 million euro, with 63 new jobs created.

The logistics centre in Cisnădie is part of the REHAU’s global growth strategy and will help REHAU Window Solutions to serve the regional market partners and customers more easily, offering high quality services much faster, thanks to its perfect location within Europe. REHAU Window Solutions products will leave Sibiu towards the whole country of Romania, as well as for the nearby Souteast Middle-European countries such as the Republic of Moldova, Bulgaria or Greece.

Carsten Heuer, CEO REHAU Window Solutions, Alexandru Oprea, Country Manager REHAU Romania and Paul Chipriean, Head of Window Solutions REHAU Romania attended the opening ceremony.

“The initiative of the investment in Cisnădie is another step taken by the Window Solutions division towards increasing our partners’ competitiveness and the division’s capacity on local markets all over the world. It also pushes our global strategy of expansion and proximity to partners and customers in the resprective markets.

Moreover, the Logistics Centre in Sibiu County paves the way for us to become a system supplier, building an ecosystem around windows and beyond, being an important step in achieving REHAU’s strategic goals.

I am glad to be in Romania for the inauguration of this strategic project, both for our company and partners, and for the local and regional window and door market. I am convinced that Romania will continue to be an important place for the future development of the REHAU Window Solutions business, as it has qualified staff and great potential,” said Carsten Heuer, CEO REHAU Window Solutions.

The 52,900 metre Logistics Centre accommodates a modern warehouse and a wrapping line for the REHAU Window Solutions division, putting Romania on the map of REHAU Window Solutions factories internationally.

“The Logistics Centre in Cisnădie is the long-awaited step for REHAU Window Solutions to develop the business in Romania and the region. The existence of the packaging line is an additional advantage, as this capacity increases the value of the division’s services on the domestic and regional market and proves to our partners and customers that REHAU Window Solutions is a reliable solutions provider, investing in the development of the market,” said Paul Chipriean, Director Window Solutions REHAU Romania.

“The opening of the REHAU Window Solutions Logistics Centre in Cisnădie marks an important moment for local offices, as it puts Romania on the map of REHAU’s strategic investments. Romania has alwys been an important market, but now is even more in focus and wins additional importance.  Moreover, the new facility also has a great impact in the community, mainly because it has created new jobs, but also because of the community-oriented projects that REHAU has already started in Sibiu county.

Last but not least, the Logistic Centre is another step our company is taking towards the goal of bringing customers to the forefront by providing high quality services oriented towards increasing comfort and quality of life.

The new facility also brings to the forefront our employees, to whom we offer a space for development, growth and a workplace that meets modern standards in the field,” said Alexandru Oprea, Country Manager REHAU Romania.

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Thanks to the cooperation with the Bucharest Austrian Cultural Forum (Forumul Cultural Austriac), selected films from the GREEN FILMS @AUSTRIA program offered this year by the educational film project EU Youth Cinema: Green Deal will also be presented at renowned Romanian film festivals in October: the ASTRA FILM International Film Festival in Sibiu and the LA PAS Festival in Timișoara.

Film festival highlights in Sibiu and Timișoara

At the 30th anniversary edition of ASTRA FILM International Film Festival, taking place between 15-22 October in Sibiu the film EATING DIFFERENTLY – THE EXPERIMENT (MÂNCÂND DIFERIT – EXPERIMENTUL) by Kurt Langbein and Andrea Ernst will be presented as part of the education program Astra Film Junior (see: www.astrafilm.ro/en/2023/film/eating-differently-the-experiment). Astra Film Junior is a film literacy program offered to children and teenagers in the town of Sibiu, Romania, since 2009, and focuses on documentaries made for and about them. This is how director Kurt Lagbein sums up the message of his film: „We can also decide about the future and the climate with the food we consume. Cook differently, with less meat. Eat differently, with more pleasure. Shopping differently, regionally and seasonally.”

The LA PAS Festival in Timișoara included three Austrian productions and several short films from the EU Audioviual Service into this year’s program (see: https://la-pas.cries.ro/2023-2/program-de-filme-festival-la-pas-2023). Next to EATING DIFFERENTLY – THE EXPERIMENT (MÂNCÂND DIFERIT – EXPERIMENTUL) also MATTER OUT OF PLACE (CHESTIUNE SCĂPATĂ DE SUB CONTROL) by Nikolaus Geyrhalter and GENERATION CHANGE – WHO SAVES THE WORLD (SCHIMBAREA GENERAȚIEI – CINE SALVEAZĂ LUMEA) by Vanessa Böttcher.

While in the quiet and thoughtful film MATTER OUT OF PLACE the director Nikolaus Geyrhalter follows the traces of our trash across the planet and sheds light on the endless struggle of people to gain control over the vast quantities of waste, the GENERATION CHANGE – WHO SAVES THE WORLD looks for solutions for addressing climate change. Why is there still not done enough? What can one person really achieve? Can climate change be stopped? The young environmental activist Sarah Sadeghi takes these and many other questions with her onto a train across Europe to go and meet young activists who are successfully campaigning for projects in their countries. “Each of us can make a difference that is huge if we do it all.” – that’s Sarah’s conclusion after the journey.

The successful cooperation between the EU Youth Cinema: Green Deal and both festivals wouldn’t have been possible without the networking of its project partner, the Austrian Cultural Forum Bucharest. „The Austrian Cultural Forum Bucharest has been honored, from the very beginning, to support the EU Youth Cinema: Green Deal, which is very successful in the Romanian pilot cities Sibiu and Bucharest, and will extend its collaboration with the organizers to promote this program in as many places as possible in Romania, because the climate emergency concerns us all.” – so Andrei Popov, deputy director Austrian Cultural Forum Bucharest.

EU Youth Cinema: Green Deal has been an active project since March 2022, spanning across Romania, Austria, Croatia, North Macedonia, and Slovenia. It is overseen by the Austrian association LET’S CEE Film Festival in collaboration with local coordinators EPEKA (Slovenia) and Go Green (North Macedonia). PR activities are handled in all countries by the Chapter 4 agency. The program consists of screening over 30 European films both in theaters and online. Educational materials and a transnational marketing campaign complete the innovative concept. The full program version is available for free to all enrolled school classes (registration: www.youth-cinema.eu/ro) from the five countries. More films can be viewed for free by anyone interested through www.euyc.green/ro.

Andrei Popov: „EU Youth Cinema: Green Deal is a program that is making a difference not only in the field of cinema but especially in the field of education. Thanks to the discussions that accompany all screenings of selected documentaries, as well as the pedagogical materials provided to teachers and students, attending EU Youth Cinema: Green Deal screenings in the cinema or in the classroom becomes a truly formative experience of civic spirit and social involvement.”

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CITR insolvency company sold Sibiu-based Fabrica de Cultură, held by Construcții S.A., currently in reorganization, to the Sibiu City Hall, for EUR 5.29 million.

“We are successfully completing a project aimed at saving an internationally acknowledged space with strong influences in our cultural landscape. We are talking about the continuity of a place hosting famous theatre plays, including Faust, a landmark performance for the Radu Stanca National Theatre of Sibiu. We are glad that we could maintain this objective in the cultural circuit, with support from the representatives of Construcții SA, and we are sure that its new owner – the Sibiu City Hall, together with the Radu Stanca National Theatre, will take the already established project of “Fabrica de Cultură” to the next level,” declared Călin Părău, Head of Commercial, CITR.

Fabrica de Cultură is an area within the Manufacturing base of Construcții S.A., created from the optimisation of spaces allocated to workshops for large precast items, concrete preparation, small precast items, manufactured items, structural steel, car and equipment repairs, and from the rehabilitation of buildings. The relocation of these workshops to other areas of the Base left way to the spaces and lands where Fabrica de Cultură appeared.

The asset includes a 34,000 sq m. plot within the built-up area, and constructions with a total area of 6,776 sq m.

“An asset that is no longer essential for an insolvent company to carry on its activities continues to be vital for the cultural landscape of Sibiu. From now on, the space acquires a new utility and provides long-term cultural continuity. At the same time, it generates a significant amount to cover the debts registered by the company at the time of its insolvency. The sale worth EUR 5,29 million plus VAT was made at 100% of the asset’s market value, as established by the valuator designated within the procedure,” added Raluca Ciortea, Project Manager within CITR.

Fabrica de Cultură is located on the outskirts of Sibiu, at 1, Triajului St., Sibiu County, also known as the East Industrial Area. The area has seen continuous development, mainly oriented towards the industrial sector, and has lately been seeing a conversion towards the residential. The place is easily accessible by car, via a paved road, and the location includes the land, alongside the industrial-type buildings and incorporated movable assets or equipment.

The total value of the goods proposed for valorisation is EUR 5.29 million, and the valuation of the goods proposed for valorisation was made by ETOS Business Valuation & Advisory, Sworn Valuator – corporate member of A.N.E.V.A.R. (the National Association of Romanian Valuers), in collaboration with Alin Tiberiu Vulea – full member of A.N.E.V.A.R., specialized in the assessment of real estate, movable assets, and plant.

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Mercure Sibiu Arsenal comprises 121 thoughtfully designed rooms, 81 twin rooms, 30 Superior rooms, 2 accessible rooms, 5 Privilege rooms and 3 suites, that provide a comfortable stay for guests travelling for leisure or for business. The hotel offers easy access to the city’s rich medieval history and architectural wonders. It is located on 48 Victoriei Boulevard, across the street from Sub Arini, the city’s most endeared park.

Guests can indulge in culinary delights at our renowned restaurant, Winestone, where local flavours harmonise with international cuisine. The hotel also offers a tranquil indoor pool and a well-equipped fitness centre. Travellers visiting Sibiu by car will enjoy the 154 places indoor and outdoor parking.

Mercure Sibiu Arsenal has been designed to become a vibrant hub for social gatherings, as well as a leading business destination. With a generous capacity to accommodate up to 200 guests in ballroom setup and 250 guests in theatre setup, the hotel is the ideal place for private parties and corporate events. The property also includes 4 conference rooms and one foyer.

The focal point of the hotel design is a remarkable display of handcrafted terracotta tiles, each one a masterpiece produced and painted by skilled artisans at the renowned local factory with over a century of history. These tiles adorn the hotel rooms, infusing them with warmth and character. At the reception, guests will be captivated by the intricate patterns and vibrant colours, reflecting the rich heritage of the place. The floors are further adorned with decorative rugs, skillfully woven by artisans from a neighbouring town, adding a cozy touch to the space.

Sibiu’s rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene make it a captivating destination for travellers seeking an authentic European experience. Sibiu’s cobbled streets lined with centuries-old buildings, its well-preserved medieval charm, and its hosting of numerous festivals and events throughout the year all contribute to its magnetic appeal. From the renowned Sibiu International Theatre Festival (FITS) to the Sibiu Jazz Festival, and the Sibiu Christmas Market, there’s a festival for every traveller’s taste.

Additionally, the city boasts an impressive array of museums, including the Brukenthal National Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of art and historical artefacts. Nearby attractions like the Transfagarasan Highway, known as one of the world’s most scenic drives, and the medieval fortified churches of Transylvania offer exciting day trips for explorers. Sibiu’s bustling entertainment scene encompasses lively cafes, restaurants serving delicious local cuisine, and a thriving nightlife, ensuring that visitors can immerse themselves fully in the city’s rich cultural tapestry and vibrant contemporary life.

The new Mercure Sibiu Arsenal will operate under a management agreement, for 10 years, between leading hospitality group Accor and the local investor Compa S.A. Sibiu.

“Strengthening Accor’s presence in Sibiu, one of Romania’s most picturesque and culturally rich cities of Romania, has been a key target for us. Nevertheless, I always say that having a hotel in a city is not the end goal. Having the best hotel for that area is what we always aim for. Mercure Sibiu Arsenal is a great example. We are excited to see this exceptional project come to life, and we are confident that it will soon become a noteworthy destination for business and leisure travellers alike.” commented Frank Reul, Vice-President for Development Accor Premium, Midscale & Economy, Eastern Europe, Balkans, Italy & Greece.

“Compa is one of the oldest companies in Sibiu with a history of more than 135 years. Our company has grown together with the city over the past century. We are excited to enter the hospitality industry, which is a new field for us, together with our partner Accor. We hope that this will bring us closer to the community and provide a service that will be beneficial for both our company and the city.” stated Dan Băiașu, Commercial Director and Deputy CEO, SC COMPA S.A.

“We aim for Mercure Sibiu Arsenal to soon become a flagship destination for Sibiu and for the region. The brand’s unwavering commitment to quality, strengthened by our team’s passion and enthusiasm, will be the guarantee of a consistent and reliable standard of service. The design of the hotel will immerse travellers into a captivating fusion of timeless beauty and local craftsmanship, reflecting the distinct character and culture of its location.”, stated Livia Hoffman, General Manager, Mercure Sibiu Arsenal.

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President Klaus Iohannis will undertake a series of visits to Africa from November 14 to November 23, 2023. The visits include state visits to the Republic of Kenya, the United Republic of Tanzania, and the Republic of Cape Verde, as well as an official visit to the Republic of Senegal.

“The President of Romania’s visits to Africa represent the first political-diplomatic initiative at this level in the last 30 years and aim to revitalize Romania’s relations with the African continent, both in our country’s direct relationship with African states and as part of the joint European effort, in the broader context of the need to reinvigorate EU-Africa relations in the spirit of a new partnership. These visits seek to revitalize high-level political dialogue with the mentioned states and re-energize economic and sectoral relations, aiming to open up and exploit new opportunities for collaboration in areas of common interest, including those related to addressing global challenges. President Klaus Iohannis’ initiative takes place at a time of deepening and diversifying relations with African partners, considering that over the past decade, the African continent as a whole has gained a more prominent international profile. Africa’s new international status is demonstrated by the increasing interest of global actors, combined with growing trade and investment, as well as collaboration in areas such as development or security. In this context, Romania makes its own significant, distinct contribution to the implementation of the Euro-African strategic partnership, in the spirit of pragmatic, honest, and balanced cooperation among equal partners,” the Presidential Administration stated.

However, this tour raises questions about its purpose. The countries on the President’s itinerary are far from being among Romania’s major trading partners, while the costs of other recent tours by Klaus Iohannis have been quite high, according to calculations by Recorder: over one million euros each.

As the Presidential Administration’s budget was exhausted in August, the Government has allocated an additional 7 million lei for year-end projects, including this African tour.

What’s for sure is that the President’s destinations are exotic tourist destinations. The Cape Verde Islands are known for their white sandy beaches and turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The President will likely seek to boost bilateral trade because in the first seven months of this year, Romania imported 60 euros worth of goods from there, which is approximately 300 lei. The Head of State is also set to visit Kenya, recognized as the world’s top safari destination, with 50 parks and national reserves. Romania imports coffee, fish, dates, figs, and pineapples from here and exports phones.

From Senegal, one of Africa’s main cultural destinations, Romania imports titanium ore and exports refrigerators and freezers. The last destination on the President’s list is Tanzania, which hosts some of the world’s most acclaimed national parks and game reserves. From here, Romania brings in limited amounts of fish, coffee, and dates and, in turn, exports railway carriages, automotive parts, and accessories. In all four countries, Romania enjoys a trade surplus, exporting more than it imports from the countries President Klaus Iohannis will visit.

At the beginning of this week, Recorder published an investigative video today about the increasing use of private planes for travels by President Klaus Iohannis. These costs are kept secret by the Presidential Administration, even though they involve public funds.

In order to make a comparison with other European presidents or heads of institutions, Recorder gathered data on the travel costs of 19 European leaders attending the coronation of King Charles in May of this year. Among all of them, Klaus Iohannis was the only one who arrived in London on a private plane, while the rest traveled on official planes or commercial flights.

While the cost of Klaus Iohannis’s journey remains classified, other European leaders provided detailed expenses, some of them even including copies of their plane tickets.

Many of the international trips made by the President using private planes involve stopovers in Sibiu, incurring additional costs. This was the case for the journey from London, where the stopover in Sibiu increased the aircraft rental cost by at least 5,000 euros.

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As the festive season approaches, Romania unveils its enchanting winter wonders, making it an ideal destination for a memorable Christmas experience. From charming medieval towns to snow-covered landscapes, here’s a guide to the top 10 Christmas destinations in Romania that promise to immerse you in the spirit of the season.

1. Sibiu: A Fairytale in Lights: Sibiu, a Transylvanian gem, transforms into a winter wonderland during Christmas. The city’s medieval architecture is adorned with thousands of sparkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere in the historic center. The Christmas market here is a must-visit, offering handmade crafts and traditional Romanian delicacies.
2. Brasov: Old World Charm: Nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, Brasov exudes Old World charm. The Council Square transforms into a festive market, surrounded by Baroque buildings and the imposing Black Church. The snow-covered mountains provide a picturesque backdrop, making it a perfect Christmas destination.
3. Cluj-Napoca: Cultural Extravaganza: Cluj-Napoca, a vibrant cultural hub, hosts a variety of Christmas events and concerts. The Central Park transforms into a magical realm with dazzling lights and festive decorations. The blend of tradition and modernity creates a unique holiday experience.
4. Bucharest: Ecletic Capital: Romania’s capital, Bucharest, offers a grand Christmas spectacle. The impressive Parliament Palace is illuminated, and the city’s parks host lively markets. Visitors can enjoy ice skating in Constitution Square or explore the charming Lipscani District.
5. Timisoara: Pioneer of Lights: Known as the birthplace of the 1989 Romanian Revolution, Timisoara takes pride in its Christmas lights. The Union Square and Victory Square dazzle with colorful displays, creating a festive atmosphere. Timisoara’s multicultural heritage adds an extra layer of richness to the celebrations.
6. Alba Iulia: Historical Elegance: Steeped in history, Alba Iulia offers a unique Christmas experience. The Alba Carolina Fortress, a star-shaped citadel, is beautifully illuminated during the holidays. Visitors can stroll through the medieval streets and enjoy the festive decorations.
7. Sighisoara: Medieval Magic: Sighisoara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, transports visitors to a medieval Christmas fairytale. The Clock Tower Square hosts a charming market, and the citadel’s narrow streets are adorned with festive lights. The medieval architecture and the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler add an intriguing touch.
8. Maramures: Traditional Tranquility: For a more traditional Christmas experience, Maramures is the ideal destination. Wooden churches, traditional crafts, and festive customs offer a glimpse into Romania’s rich cultural heritage. The Merry Cemetery in Sapanta is a unique and colorful experience.
9. Rasnov: Castle in the Snow: The Rasnov Citadel, perched on a hill, becomes even more enchanting during the winter season. The snow-covered landscape and the medieval fortress create a fairytale setting. Rasnov offers a serene and picturesque escape for Christmas enthusiasts.
10. Iasi: Cultural Capital: Iasi, often referred to as the cultural capital of Romania, celebrates Christmas with a cultural twist. The Palace of Culture is adorned with lights, and the city hosts a variety of concerts and events. Iasi’s rich history and artistic ambiance make it a captivating Christmas destination.

In conclusion, Romania’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage make it an exceptional destination for a magical Christmas experience. Whether you seek the charm of medieval towns, the elegance of historical sites, or the tranquility of traditional villages, Romania has something to offer for every Christmas enthusiast. Embrace the warmth of Romanian hospitality and create cherished memories in these festive destinations.

We shall discover until the end of this year all of these destinations, in depth, with all their beauties and surroundings.

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