These documentaries about Romania show a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. As a land that has witnessed the rise and fall of ancient civilizations, endured centuries of imperial rule, and emerged from the shadows of a communist regime, Romania’s story is as captivating as its diverse landscapes.
From the mystical charm of Transylvania, with its medieval castles and folklore that inspired Dracula legends, to the bustling energy of Bucharest, the capital city, Romania offers a tapestry of experiences.
Documentaries About Romania
Documentaries about Romania delve into its complex past, vibrant present, and the resilient spirit of its people, providing a fascinating lens through which to understand the multifaceted character of this enchanting nation.
Untamed Romania (2018)
Untamed Romania is a visually stunning nature documentary that showcases the diverse and pristine landscapes of Romania, offering a captivating look at the country’s wilderness and the rich variety of flora and fauna that call it home.
The documentary takes you on a journey through the Carpathian Mountains, virgin forests, wetlands, and other natural habitats, revealing the beauty and biodiversity of Romania’s untamed regions.
Narrated by the acclaimed naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough, “Untamed Romania” provides a unique perspective on the country’s ecosystems, from the Danube Delta to the high-altitude alpine meadows. The film highlights the importance of conservation efforts in preserving these untouched environments and emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living beings within these ecosystems.
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Collective (2019)
Collective follows the aftermath of a tragic incident in Bucharest, Romania, where a fire broke out at the Colectiv nightclub in 2015. The fire resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, and the documentary explores the events that followed.
It focuses on the journalistic investigation that uncovered widespread corruption and malfeasance within the Romanian healthcare system. The film showcases the efforts of journalists, activists, and citizens who worked to expose the truth and hold those responsible for inadequate healthcare accountable.
The documentary received widespread acclaim for its compelling storytelling, investigative journalism, and its examination of systemic issues. “Collective” was nominated for the Best International Feature Film category at the 93rd Academy Awards and received numerous other awards and nominations at film festivals worldwide.
Wild Carpathia (2011)
Wild Carpathia explores the natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural richness of the Carpathian Mountains in Eastern Europe. The series consists of three episodes and is hosted by Charlie Ottley, a British travel presenter and filmmaker. The episodes cover different aspects of the Carpathian region, including its landscapes, biodiversity, and traditional way of life.
The Carpathian Mountains stretch across several countries, including Romania, Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary. “Wild Carpathia” specifically focuses on the Romanian part of the Carpathians. The series showcases the diverse ecosystems, rare species of plants and animals, and the conservation efforts taking place in the region.
“Wild Carpathia” serves as both a travel documentary and an environmental exploration of one of Europe’s last truly wild landscapes.
Children Underground (2001)
Children Underground follows the lives of several homeless children living in the subway system of Bucharest, Romania. The children depicted in the documentary face various challenges, including poverty, homelessness, and a lack of support and guidance.
The film provides a poignant and often heartbreaking look at the harsh realities these children endure as they navigate the difficulties of street life.
It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2002. The documentary sheds light on the complex social issues surrounding homelessness and poverty, particularly in post-communist Romania.
The King of Communism: Nicolae Ceausescu (2002)
The King of Communism: The Pomp & Pageantry of Nicolae Ceausescu is a 1-hour documentary that gives a good oversight into the dictator of Romania during the communist era, Nicolae Ceausescu.
He was a ruthless dictator oppressing his people all the while living a lavish lifestyle and the propaganda machine and media displayed him as a cult/pop figure and “man of the people” and that’s what this documentary looks at. From his popular rise to power up until his dramatic fall in the Romanian Revolution.
Although this just scratches the surface of Nicolae Ceausescu it is one of my favourite documentaries about Romania that represents his life. If you want a quick overview of the man himself this is a great one to watch.
Videograms of a Revolution (1992)
Videograms of a Revolution is a unique exploration of the Romanian Revolution of 1989. The documentary is known for its innovative approach to storytelling, using a collage of television footage, news reports, and amateur video recordings to chronicle the events leading up to the revolution, the overthrow of Nicolae Ceaușescu’s regime, and the immediate aftermath.
The title “Videograms of a Revolution” refers to the use of video as a medium to capture and document historical events in real time. The filmmakers carefully selected and compiled footage from various sources to create a mosaic of perspectives on the revolution.
The documentary not only provides a historical account of the events but also reflects on the role of media in shaping public perception and memory. The film is an important document of a significant moment in Romanian history and a reflection on the power and limitations of media representation.
The Autobiography of Nicolae Ceausescu (2010)
The Autobiography of Nicolae Ceaușescu is unique in its approach, as it does not rely on traditional narration or interviews. Instead, it uses archival footage to tell the story of Nicolae Ceaușescu, the former leader of Romania, solely through images and excerpts from his own speeches and official ceremonies.
The film spans several decades, covering Ceaușescu’s rise to power, his leadership during the Communist era in Romania, and his eventual downfall during the 1989 Romanian Revolution. The documentary provides a visual narrative of Ceaușescu’s political career, offering you a glimpse into the propaganda machinery of the time.
It gives a historical perspective on the personality cult and political atmosphere in Romania during Ceaușescu’s regime. The film is notable for its extensive use of state-produced images and its reflection on the manipulation of visual media in constructing political narratives.
Chuck Norris vs Communism (2015)
Don’t laugh at the title of this one as it’s a very interesting documentary. Chuck Norris vs Communism explores the impact of Western movies, particularly those starring Chuck Norris, on the people of Romania during the communist era.
During the 1980s, Romania was under the repressive rule of Nicolae Ceaușescu, as shown in some of the documentaries about Romania mentioned above, and Western movies were strictly censored.
However, a black-market industry emerged where smuggled VHS tapes of American films, often dubbed by one man named Teodor Zamfir, provided a source of entertainment and a glimpse into the outside world for Romanians.
The documentary tells the story of this underground culture and how these films influenced people’s perceptions of freedom and the West. It’s a unique exploration of the role that popular culture played in challenging oppressive regimes during a difficult period in Romania’s history.
My Beautiful Dacia (2010)
My Beautiful Dacia celebrates the cultural and social significance of the Dacia automobile in Romania. The Dacia car, produced by the Romanian automaker Automobile Dacia, has played a significant role in the country’s history and culture.
The documentary highlights the car’s impact on Romanian society, reflecting on its role during the communist era and its transformation into a symbol of freedom and aspiration after the fall of communism.
The film also explores the connection between the Dacia car and the people of Romania, examining the various ways in which the car has become an integral part of the country’s identity. It features interviews with Dacia owners, factory workers, and experts, providing insights into the car’s journey and its place in Romanian hearts.
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Rick Steves’ Romania (2016)
Rick Steves, a well-known American travel writer, author, and television personality, has explored many countries, written guidebooks on them, and presented travel shows on the destinations.
In this episode, he focuses specifically on Romania and explores different parts of the country such as Bucharest and Transylvania, showing the life of Romania today.
Romania
These documentaries about Romania provide a diverse and informative perspective on the country, offering glimpses into its history, culture, and contemporary challenges.
For more on Romania have a look at the best things to do in Brasov.
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