By Dana Tudose-Tianu
July 19th through the 28th, the Romanian “Davos” happens in Rasnov, less than 20 km from Brasov.
Sorin Mindrutescu, CEO of Oracle Romania, and one of the Festival’s greatest and most outspoken promoters, often mentions the parallel between the thought leadership that happens in Davos, every year, and the Rasnov phenomenon, created organically through the Rasnov History & Film Festival.
The festival is at its 11th edition this year. It started in 2009, from the deep commitment to a different point-of-view when it comes to local and global cinematography: it focuses on promoting European and international cinematography, and on reflecting major historical and cinematography events. The festival is promoting cultural diversity, creativity, innovation and dialog between professionals in history and cinematography.
Personally, I love that the Festival organizers created a Debate Forum that runs throughout the duration of the event. In 2018, leaders of the business, historical, policy, cultural, artistic and religious worlds spoke during the various Panels of the Forum.
Mariuca Talpes (Bitdefender), Michèle Ramis (French Ambassador), Hans Klemm (U.S. Ambassador), Cord Meier-Klodt (German Ambassador), Stella Ronner- Grubačić (Dutch Ambassador), Tamar Samash (Israel Ambassador) Wargha Enayati (investor, cardiologist), Adrian Cioroianu (Romanian Ambassador to UNESCO), Steven van Groningen (CEO Raiffeisen Romania) and many other prominent leaders came to Rasnov last year to encourage young individuals to innovate and to express themselves during free discussions and constructive debates.
The 10-day festival takes place within the Rasnov Fortress. It offers the public films in first viewing, new documentaries, discussions with actors and directors, screenings, book presentations, concerts and art shows. The visitors will take part in a cinematographic marathon, with the newest and most valuable documentary and fiction movies (over 50 movies are presented), shows, debates (more than 40 special guests) and conferences on history-related topics.
The Rasnov City Hall has been the main partner of the Festival since its inception and already became a tradition for the local residents of Rasnov. Rasnov is a medieval city, and its fortress gives a unique identity to the historical profile of the festival.
The Festival includes high quality educational activities for young people – high school and college students. All young participants can apply for the Summer School. Summer School participants have access to all the events and enjoy an open dialogue with all the special guests.
There are Concerts every day of the Festival, in the Garden of the Rasnov Fortress. We invite you to check out the Festival’s Facebook page, (Festivalul de Film si Istorii Rasnov), the Events section, and you will be able to purchase tickets to the concerts of your choice.
Alexandru Andries, Vali Racila & Ada Milea, The Mono Jacks, are some of the artists whose music will delight the Festival participants.
