A glimpse into the past: ‘The New Year That Never Came’ at Venice Film Festival
In the heart of the Venice Film Festival, a new film titled “The New Year That Never Came” has made its debut, offering a gripping narrative set during the oppressive regime of Nicolae Ceaușescu in Romania. The film, directed by Bogdan Mureşanu, delves into the lives of multiple protagonists on the brink of a nervous breakdown, each making life-altering decisions in December 1989. The exclusive trailer can be viewed here.
A symphony of despair and hope
Mureşanu’s film is a tapestry of interconnected stories: an aspiring actress coerced into performing in a propaganda-laden TV special, two boys plotting their escape, a woman facing the collapse of her life, and a young boy who innocently writes to Santa, mentioning his father’s wish to see “Uncle Nic” dead. The director’s vision was to create a film that feels like a symphony, capturing the essence of society during that tumultuous time.
“I wanted this film to feel like a symphony and to give a proper overview of the society at that time. I knew the beginning and I knew the end. In the middle, I just decided to play,” Mureşanu explains.
The absurdity of reality
Despite the well-documented horrors of Ceaușescu’s regime, Mureşanu notes that many Romanians have become less critical of that era. The film serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of life under a totalitarian state.
“People tend to forget, that’s it. They just remember they used to be young back then and it probably wasn’t ‘that bad.’ But this film should function as a reminder of how bad it really was,” he notes.
The film’s protagonists face dire circumstances, yet their stories are laced with absurdity and black humor, a hallmark of Romanian culture. This blend of tragedy and comedy is reminiscent of the works of playwright Ionesco, reflecting a unique way of coping with historical and personal turmoil.
A bolero of political change
Mureşanu likens the structure of his film to a bolero, building tension until it explodes at the end. The film not only captures a moment of political change but also highlights the ongoing dangers of totalitarianism.
“People should be more aware of the dangers of a totalitarian state. There is no distinction between the public and the private. It controls everything – including the female body. Even now, on social media, there is either ‘I like’ or ‘I dislike.’ There is no debate,” he observes.
The need for independent voices
Mureşanu emphasizes the importance of independent filmmakers in European cinema, which is often state-funded. He argues that many directors are hesitant to tell the truth about their countries due to the risk of losing funding.
“European cinema is founded by states. I noticed that most directors, unless they are already established – or old – are afraid to tell the truth about what’s really going on in their countries. We are easily blackmailed by these institutions because unless your film’s ticking all the boxes, you might not receive funding. But we should take more risks.”
A grand production
“The New Year That Never Came” is a larger-than-life production compared to typical Romanian dramas. Produced by Kinotopia and All Inclusive Films, and sold by Cercamon, the film required meticulous attention to detail, including the reconstruction of a fully functional TV studio from that era.
“This one was really exhausting and I thought I wouldn’t be able to make it, to tell you the truth. How can I reconstruct the whole TV studio of that time? And yet we managed, and it was fully functional.”
Mureşanu’s dedication to creating a meaningful film is evident in his closing thoughts:
“A film usually costs as much as a small hospital, so it’s your moral duty to say something important with it.”
Looking ahead
As Mureşanu reflects on the challenges and triumphs of his latest film, he hints at a simpler project for the future, centered around a mug of coffee and two characters. This shift in scale underscores the director’s versatility and commitment to storytelling, regardless of the scope.
For those eager to explore the world of “The New Year That Never Came”, the trailer and additional information can be found here. This film promises to be a poignant reminder of a dark chapter in history, infused with the resilience and humor that define the Romanian spirit.