Aferim!

Present-day bigotry is traced back to 19th century Romania in Radu Jude's crisply shot, award-winning drama.

Crossing a southern Romanian landscape on horseback, constable Constandin (Teodor Corban) and his son head out on a little odyssey. Carfin, a Romani slave, has run away from his noble master after being accused of having an affair with his wife, and Costandin is tasked with tracking him down. Along the way, the two men encounter people of different nationalities and creeds, each harbouring prejudices against the others.

Curator's note

Although it is set in the 19th century, there's sadly very little in Radu Jude's attention-grabbing film that couldn't be easily applied to a contemporary setting.

Racism: check. Xenophobia: check.

Established New Wave cinematographer Marius Panduru shot Aferim! on film in beautiful black and white, signalling an adventurous visual shift for Radu Jude. Despite this turning point, the tonal and thematic currents that had run strong through the director's films to date continue here.

Aferim! premiered at the 65th Berlin International Film Festival where Radu Jude received the Silver Bear award for Best Director.

– Reece Goodwin, Curator (Film & TV)