The Last Day (Closing Film, EEFF Discovery)

Director: Gabriel Achim

Country: Romania

Running Time: 105′

International Premiere 

Year: 2016

A mayor, a policeman and a Christian Youth leader get into a car….Whilst this might sound like the opening of a classic joke, the truth of Gabriel Achim’s second feature is something much richer. But that’s not to say that it’s not very, very funny. The Last Day follows these three friends as they accompany Adrian to the monastery. He’s about to give up his sinful life and devote the rest of his days to the cloth. But becoming a monk doesn’t mean you get to leave your past behind, especially when your past has plans for you, and especially when the mayor is an avid amateur filmmaker. A long and winding journey full of twists and turns, The Last Day stars a veritable who’s who Romanian cinema –  Doru Ana, Mimi Brănescu, Adrian Văncică and Rodica Lazăr – and was made on a shoestring budget. Nevertheless, Achim’s film is laden with atmosphere, gripping drama, droll humour, and some very important dogs. Powerful, independent filmmaking from the next great Romanian auteur.

Followed by Q&A with director Gabriel Achim and screenwriter Cosmin Manolache. Screening supported by the Romanian Cultural Institute.