Romania designated first-ever Country of Focus at American Film Market in Los Angeles

The organizers of the American Film Market have designated Romania as the first-ever guest country of honor in the event’s history.

Director Cristian Mungiu, winner of the Palme d’Or, whose latest film, “Fjord,” is Romania’s official submission in the “Best International Feature Film” category at the Academy Awards, will lead a Romanian delegation to the American Film Market in Los Angeles from November 10 to 15.

The program of the event includes screenings of the Romanian films “Comatogen,” directed by Igor Cobileanski, “Gone Guy,” directed by Andrei Dăscălescu, “Grounded,” directed by Ligia Ciornei, and “The Circle,” directed by Valeriu Andriuţă.

“This year, a Romanian film has received an award at every major festival,” Mungiu said in a statement. “I believe Romanian films have real potential in international markets – not only at festivals, but also among a wider audience,” he added, cited by News.ro.

One of the central events of Romania’s participation will be the panel “Beyond the New Wave: Romania as Your Next Production Partner,” scheduled for November 14. Director Cristian Mungiu, Valentin Savu, manager of the Film and Cultural Investments Office, together with producers Alma Bacula, Iuliana Tarnovetchi, Gabriel Popescu, and Ionuţ Ionescu, will discuss filming opportunities in Romania, collaborations with local producers, and access to the Cash Rebate scheme.

“Not only is the Romanian cash rebate system working again, but we have also initiated discussions with the Romanian authorities regarding the provision of advance cash flow financing for this rebate scheme, and we hope to see concrete results as early as 2027,” Mungiu continued.

The designation of Romania as Country of Focus offers a new opportunity to promote Romanian cinema and the country’s potential as a partner for international productions, the Film and Cultural Investments Office announced.

“Romania has been part of the AFM community for many years, and we are proud to recognize its contributions to world cinema by designating it as our first ‘Country of Focus’,” said Jackie Brenneman, president of the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA), the organizer of AFM.

AFM is the premier marketplace for the acquisition, development, financing, and distribution of independent film, television, and premium content for audiences worldwide.