This project is designed to fulfill the requirements outlined by Professor Cordon for Franklin College Switzerland's Spring Academic Travel 212: Romania Multiculturalism and Identity. The following is the course description outlined in the syllabus: The historic Principalities of Transylvania, Wallachia and Moldavia merged in the late 19th Century to form modern Romania. The northern and eastern parts of Moldavia shifted between Soviet and Romanian domination and are now part of the Ukraine and the independent Republic of Moldova. These lands are rich in history and cultural heritage. Transylvania has large German- and Hungarian-speaking minorities which have been there since the 13th Century. Moldavia offers superb examples of Orthodox monastic architecture and also has considerable Russian- and Ukrainian-speaking minorities. Wallachia, the cradle of the Romanian nation, is more industrial and has a large Roma (gypsy) minority. This Academic Travel will focus on the recent history and current politics of Romania, with special emphasis on the issues of cultural identity and statehood. We will explore Bucharest, the capital of Romania and Wallachia, where the 1989 revolution played. In Transylvania the group will visit the mixed cities of Sibiu, Cluj-Napoca and Sighisoara (birthplace of Vlad Tepes, who inspired the legend of Count Dracula). Finally we will cross the Carpathian Mountains to visit the renowned painted monasteries of Moldavia and, depending on travel logistics, make a quick foray to either Chernivtsi/Cernauti (Ukraine) or Chisinau (Moldova).
This website analyzes the paradox and Catch-22 of the Romanian film industry. Through out each era of the industry, The Early Years (1889-1934), The Communist Era (1947-1990), and the The Post-Communist Era (1990-Present Day) there have been three variables: talent in film-making, funding, freedom of content. The Romanian Film industry has always had the potential of becoming an International success, and the combination of these three variables could almost defiantly lead to a world rewound industry. However this had not occurred. Each era has brought a Paradox and Catch-22 that has prevented the Romanian Film Industry from acquiring all three variables.
The Early Years of the film industry in Romania had funding, and the freedom to produce any type of content, but the lack of talent in the new medium prevented the potential success of the industry in this era.
The Communist Era brought the Nationalization of the Romanian Film Industry. The government provided the talent and the funding which initiated the "Golden Age of the Romanian Film Industry". This Golden Age however came with a cost, the Nationalization of the Industry meant that the government controlled every aspect of the production process and limited the freedom to produce any type of content.
The Post-Communist Era, which is also known as "Romanian New Wave" gained the freedom of content with the end of the Communist Era and the decentralization of the Industry. It has the talent and know how to produce films, but with the decentralization of the industry, it no longer has the funding to create blockbuster hits. It is however successful in Independent flicks about Communist Romania.
The Paradox and Catch-22 occurs through out each era. The Romanian industry has the potential to be a successful if all three variables, were accessible during each era. Yet the paradox remains because of each eras unique circumstances and the industry remains an unknown gem.
The website provides future opportunities to gain further information about Romanian Film by allowing users to click to links on images and words throughout the website. Vă mulțumesc și Bucurați-vă! Köszönöm, és élvezze! Danke und genießen!