Aferim!, which translates to Bravo!, is a Romanian comedy-western that’s been snatching up awards on the festival circuit for almost a year now, most notably taking home the Silver Bear for Best Director at the Berlin International Film Festival. It follows a policeman tracking down a runaway Gypsy slave in 19th century Wallachia, and if the trailer is any indication, seems to draw on character archetypes, narrative expectations, and a bit of absurdity for its humor.
As with many westerns, the movie looks gorgeous and will likely play best on the big screen. It was purposefully shot on black and white film to emulate traditional westerns, proving that the desire to keep film alive extends far beyond the big boys in Hollywood.
With how poorly westerns tend to do at the box office and its little-known exploration of Roma slavery, Aferim! may prove difficult to track down. If this trailer and the film’s international response is to be believed, though, then the effort will be well-rewarded.
Aferim! is directed by Radu Jude and stars Teodor Corban, Mihai Comănoiu, and Toma Cuzin. It has played in festivals across the world and has been released in Romania, France, Hungary, and Poland. It will be released in the U.S. on January 22nd, 2016. No further release dates have been scheduled.
Do you think Aferim! will be worth searching out? Let us know!
Check out our review of Aferim! here!
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