SCARA was shown for the first time at TIFF 2021. The film was inspired by the real-life story of a Romanian actor, a victim of the Mineriade – a film directed by Vlad Păunescu and a main character played by Eduard Trifa.

SCARA is the second long feature film of director Vlad Păunescu. The film tells the story of Andrei, a young man who left the province behind to come to Bucharest, where he becomes one of the most popular actors of his generation, and then an important figure of the Romanian Revolution and of the Mineriade-related events. Focused on the spiritual evolution of its rebel hero, SCARA impeccably reproduces an era: from the behind the scenes of a legendary theatre play of the 80s (“The Karamazov Brothers”, Nottara Theatre, Bucharest) to the constant pression put by the regime upon the Romanians and the post-Revolution illusion of democracy. The cast of the film is remarkably led by Eduard Trifa, joined by younger actors such as Ana Maria Guran or Voica Oltean, as well as established actors such as Horațiu Mălăele, Dragoș Galgoțiu (theater director at his first film role), Ioana Crăciunescu, Alin Panc or Nicodim Ungureanu.

SCARA was previewed at TIFF, on July the 30th and the 31st, during the Romanian Film Days, in the presence of the cast and crew.

The script of the film was written by Constantin Chelba and Vlad Păunescu, the stage design is by Sorin Dima, and the costume design by Oana Păunescu. The Director of Photography is Alex Sterian.

Vlad Păunescu, the director of SCARA: “The film was inspired by real life stories that happened along a decade, including three crossroads moments in Romania’s recent history. A story that dissects life in depth, is a bridge between the past, the present and the projection to a dearly awaited future. Andrei, the main character, is a rebel whose outbursts happen, at first, in alcohol, then in his family life and, ultimately, in his faith. The emotional architecture of the main character is transposed cinematically by the fight with his own ego – a fierce, endless fight, with new challenges, revelations and especially existential doubts.”

Starting this autumn, the film will be screened in cinemas all over the country. The schedule of the screenings will be made available on the film’s Facebook and Instagram.