directed by Ivana Mladenović, drama, 119 min, eng subtitles, 16+
written by Adrian Schiop
with Adrian Schiop, Vasile Pavel-Digudai
Adi is a shy and introverted anthropologist recently dumped by his girlfriend. He moves to Ferentari, the most notorious marginal neighbourhood in Bucharest. He plans to write a study on manele, the pop music of the Roma community. While researching his subject, Adi meets Alberto, a Roma ex-convict and a bear of a man, who promises to help Adi. Soon, the unlikely pair begins a playful romance in which Adi feeds Alberto with improbable plans of escaping poverty and Alberto reciprocates with well-devised signs of affection. Little by little, their casual affair grows into love. Soldiers. A Story from Ferentari is an impressive debut by Ivana Mladenović, a very intimate and realistic narrative on a contemporary love story.