Best New Releases | MakingWaves

Best New Releases

Dec 5-10, 2019 @ Jacob Burns Film Center

Making Waves returns at the Jacob Burns Film Center from December 5-10, 2019 with the traditional panorama of the best new releases of the year, complementing this edition’s 30-year retrospective.

The most talked-about Romanian film of 2019 sets the mood for this year’s Making Waves. Screened at Cannes and New York Film Festival, The Whistlers (Corneliu Porumboiu) is a genre movie with a twist, a luscious and playful neo-noir that finds Romanian cinema at its most entertaining. Further forays into the genre film territory include two exciting love stories and a gripping social thriller: Tudor Giurgiu’s Parking charts the sparkling affair between two people who want a new beginning, whereas the couple in Marius Olteanu’s debut, Monsters., is at a crossroads in their personal life; on the other hand, Mo (Radu Dragomir) is truly a #MeToo manifesto and possibly the most provocative Romanian film recently made. An absolute novelty is Anca Damian’s bittersweet animation Marona, one of those rare family films that will appeal both to children and their parents. Fans of Making Waves know very well, though, that Romanian cinema wouldn’t be complete without exploring stories from the country’s past: Stere Gulea’s Moromete Family: On the Edge of Time reminds us of the very moment when Communism started its reign of terror, while Andrei Cohn takes a walk on the wild side with Arrest, a tense and claustrophobic chamber piece about the unseen face of the dictatorship. Read more about all films, schedule and purchase tickets.

Presented with the support of the Trust for Mutual Understanding, Romanian Filmmakers Union, Dacin Sara, the Romanian National Film Center, Blue Heron Foundation, the JBFC Program Fund, and numerous individual donors.

All screenings take place at:
Jacob Burns Film Center
364 Manville Road
Pleasantville, NY 10570
(easily reachable by Metro-North Harlem Line train)

Tickets: $10 (members), $15 (nonmembers)

Program notes: Mihai Chirilov

In the news

A big thank you to our supporters!

As the 18th edition of Making Waves comes to a close, we would like to thank our partners and our generous sponsors and individual donors.

Special encore screening of MMXX

Sunday, March 31, at 6:40 pm at IFC Center

Get a glimpse into this year's edition and learn more about this year's selection.

Tickets are now on sale

Check out the festival calendar and get your tickets now!

IFC Center joins our network of NYC partners

Making Waves launches at its 18th edition a partnership with IFC Center, the reputed venue showcasing the best in independent film, including Romanian cinema.

Old partners, new edition

For its 2024 edition, Making Waves continues and extends the partnerships launched last year with Roxy Cinema New York and DCTV's Firehouse Cinema, to present a selection of recent Romanian films, along with surprise special screenings.

Making Waves: New Romanian Cinema returns to New York in-person from March 27 - April 2, 2024, for its 18th edition. Save the dates and stay tuned!

Announcing a new edition of Making Waves

Making Waves returns with a new edition (its 18th!) of in-person screenings across a network of New York City cinemas in March-April 2024. More details will follow soon. Until then, please consider making a donation today and become a part of the Making Waves family.

Maia Morgenstern in attendance

Legendary actress Maia Morgenstern will join the U.S. release of Lucian Pintilie's iconic THE OAK at Film Forum, in a new 4K restoration, part of the 17th edition of the Making Waves festival.

Festival guests

Guests of this year’s festival include prominent editor and sound designer Dana Bunescu (The Chalice. Of Sons and Daughters), director and screenwriter Monica Stan (Immaculate), director Paul Negoescu and director of photography Ana Drăghici (Men of Deeds).

We Thank Our Supporters!

The 17th Making Waves: New Romanian Cinema and its return to New York City would not have been possible without our supporters. We would like to bring a big thank you to our generous sponsors and individual donors!

Tickets are now on sale

Tickets are now on sale for the 17th edition of Making Waves! Make sure you reserve your spot for this celebration of contemporary Romanian cinema, running March 30 – April 2 at Metrograph, Roxy Cinema New York and DCTV's Firehouse Cinema! Festival supporters enjoy a series of complimentary tickets.

New partnerships

For the 17th edition, Making Waves: New Romanian Cinema launches new partnerships with Metrograph, Roxy Cinema New York and DCTV’s Firehouse Cinema, returning to its roots in downtown New York, where the festival was launched in 2006 at Tribeca Cinemas.

Mark Your Calendars for MW17

From March 30-April 2, 2023, Metrograph, Roxy Cinema New York and DCTV’s Firehouse Cinema will co-present a surprising selection of recent Romanian productions. Lucian Pintilie’s iconic THE OAK, in a new 4K digital restoration, will be released at Film Forum from April 28-May 4.

Lucian Pintilie’s THE OAK in release

We are excited to announce that Lucian Pintilie’s iconic THE OAK (BALANȚA), now in a new 4K digital restoration, will be released at Film Forum from April 28 – May 4, 2023, with legendary actress Maia Morgenstern in person for select screenings. Part of the 17th Making Waves.

Making Waves returns in-person March 2023 to NYC cinemas

We are happy to announce that the 17th edition of Making Waves: New Romanian Cinema will return to in-person screenings in the second half of March 2023, in a network of New York City venues (tba).

Film critic Jay Weissberg at Salon Insula 42

On March 26, Making Waves #16 ONLINE presented a special event, in conjuction with the Insula 42 salon series. Film critic Jay Weissberg joined Corina Șuteu and Mihai Chirilov for a live conversation on the 16th Making Waves' lineup, the evolution of Romanian cinema, and much more.

MW16 Interviews: Corina Șuteu and Mihai Chirilov

Watch a striking conversation between Making Waves president Corina Șuteu and artistic director Mihai Chirilov! Get an insight into the 16th Making Waves cinematic journey, presenting a large program of features and shorts.

MW16 exclusive interviews

For the 16th online edition of Making Waves, we continue to offer not just a carefully curated selection of the best in new Romanian cinema, but also an encounter with filmmakers and actors in a series of exclusive pre-recorded conversations.

Browse full lineup for MW16 #ONLINE

As promised, Making Waves returns between March 25-31, 2022 with an extended online showcase after last December’s in-person event at the Jacob Burns Film Center. Browse full lineup and get your tickets!

Making Waves announces lineup for MW16 kick-off showcase

Before unfolding online early 2022, Making Waves 16 kicks off December 7-9, 2021 at JBFC with a compact showcase that invites to dialogue and reflection through four different and challenging films.

Making Waves returns to the cinema

We are bringing you a new edition of Making Waves, together with our unflinching partner, the Jacob Burns Film Center. We are particularly happy to be back in the cinema this year for a three-day in person event, from December 7-9, 2021.

Thank you to the MW15 supporters!

Our #filmfestival developed in time to become a landmark and a reason of pure joy for many of us, and many of you actively took part in this process. The 15th edition of Making Waves is made possible by the leading support of the Trust for Mutual Understanding and the JBFC Program Fund, with additional support from the Romanian National Film Center and individual donors. We deeply express our gratitude to your fidelity and support!

For Your Consideration at Making Waves 15

The 15th anniversary edition of Making Waves opens on February 18 online in the U.S. with Alexander Nanau's acclaimed collective, short-listed for the Oscars in two categories. It is Romania's best shot ever at an Academy nomination and award, so make sure not to miss it, along with all the films selected for this edition, many in U.S. Premiere, deserving of nominations in select categories.

For the 15th online edition of Making Waves, we celebrated the U.S. Premiere of select new Romanian films with pre-recorded conversations with filmmakers Marian Crișan (The Campaign), Ivana Mladenović (Ivana the Terrible), Tudor Platon (House of Dolls) and actress Irina Rădulescu (Legacy). And more!

Richard Peña @ Salon Insula 42: 15 years later

On the occasion of the 15th edition of Making Waves, Salon Insula 42 is inviting you to an "essential conversation" with Richard Peña, professor of Film and Media Studies at Columbia University and one of the most dedicated champions of Romanian film in the U.S., on 15 years and more of Romanian film excellency.

15th Making Waves announces lineup

We have some hot announcements for you: the Making Waves #15 program! The first good news is that each daily release of a film will be available for streaming for the next 48h. The second one is that the shorts can be accessed for the entire festival period. Starting with February 12 you can purchase the festival passes, so you don't have to worry anymore about the Valentine's Day gift for your loved ones.

Get ready for the 15th MAKING WAVES: February 18-24, 2021

We are happy to announce that the 15th edition of Making Waves will take place exclusively online between February 18-24th, 2021, together with our long-term partners at the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville, NY. The best of #NewRomanianCinema will be back in the US according to the particular times we are living.

“The Romanians” streaming through April 2021

With the current pandemic closing cinemas all over the world, the U.S. Tour of the retrospective is on hold. But we bring you now many of the series titles on VOD. Making Waves proudly presents a 15-film selection of the retrospective, with some of these titles available for the first time online for wider U.S. audience. Find below the full list of films that are now streaming.

Romanian Film Festival Seattle 2020: happening online Nov. 13-22

The 7th edition of Romanian Film Festival Seattle kick off today! Happening online for the first time, in a new creative format, this festival continues due to American Romanian Cultural Society (ARCS), one of Making Waves partners.

10 titles of “The Romanians” are available online in Europe

After traveling around the world and meeting the American and Canadian audiences, “The Romanians Go On” spreads all over Europe. Gathering 10 landmark films from some of the most acclaimed directors, Making Waves continues its program in virtual cinema. Here it`s the full line-up.

Canada, start watching online “The Romanians”!

Our series “The Romanians Go On” is also available for the Canadian territory. With a selection of 10 titles, Making Waves invites the public in this area to enjoy some of the best Romanian films of the last three decades. Find below full list of films.

Film Bonus: THE PAPER WILL BE BLUE online in the US & worldwide

Launching today worldwide and for the first time ever in the US, Radu Muntean`s chronicle of revolutionary chaos and confusion - “The Paper Will Be Blue”.

Virtual Cinema Expands @BAMPFA

Making Waves partners up with UC Berkeley Art Museum and Film Archive (BAMPFA) and presents to the American audience four titles of “The Romanians”. After launching some titles in partnership with Film Forum and Lightbox Film Center, BAMPFA joins us.

Launching in the US: THE STATE OF THINGS & LUXURY HOTEL

We are launching today two new award-winning films from early 1990s, little known in the U.S. Though very much of their time, these examinations of revolution, social conviction, immorality and autocracy feel particularly relevant today.

STUFF AND DOUGH now streaming worldwide

June 5, 2020 - Cristi Puiu's groundbreaking debut film becomes available for streaming in the U.S. and can now be rented or purchased worldwide. It is also featured in the Virtual Cinema selection of Film Forum New York and Lightbox Film Center in Philadelphia.

Streaming in Canada & U.S.: DO NOT LEAN OUT THE WINDOW

May 29, 2020 - If any film can be said to bridge the gap between Romanian cinema prior to 1989 and today, it’s Do Not Lean Out the Window (E pericoloso sporgersi), Nae Caranfil’s wry look at the final years of communism.

VIDEOGRAMS OF A REVOLUTION opens today in the US!

May 29, 2020 - Starting today, Andrei Ujică and Harun Farocki's landmark VIDEOGRAMS OF A REVOLUTION becomes for the first time available for streaming in the U.S. and internationally.

You can now watch “The Romanians” online!

Making Waves is now taking place online and has made a 13-film selection of the retrospective available for streaming in the U.S., with many of these titles available for the first time online for wider U.S. audiences. See the selection NOW STREAMING and upcoming.

Support Making Waves Film Festival in times of Coronavirus

Making Waves had to postpone all the tour`s screenings scheduled in different US cities. We appreciate your support and your understanding as we try to protect each other and to overcome these uncertain times. If you would like to make a donation to help Making Waves survive, we would be extraordinarily grateful.

“The Romanians on U.S. Tour” is currently postponed

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, “The Romanians on U.S. Tour” had to postpone its screenings scheduled in cinemas. Making Waves festival team together with their partners decided to postpone the following screenings of the tour until further notice.

Maia Morgenstern is MW special guest in Philadelphia

Come meet Maia Morgenstern! Beloved actress will be present at Lightbox Film Center in Philadelphia on March 13 for the screening of the legendary Lucian Pintilie`s THE OAK (7:00 PM).

Tickets for Phoenix screenings are now on sale!

Making Waves partners up with the first edition of the Arizona Romanian Film Festival, initiated by Arizona ARCC, to introduce you 6 titles of the Retrospective THE ROMANIANS. Tickets are now on sale!

7 films of THE ROMANIANS presented in Philadelphia, PA

The program of the Retrospective running March 12 - 27, 2020 at the Lightbox Film Center is now available. Audiences in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania can find the full schedule and buy tickets for the event on our website or Lightbox Film Center`s website.

See Andrei Ujică`s trilogy @BAMPFA in Berkeley, CA

Director Andrei Ujică joined Making Waves 14 at Film Forum in New York last autumn. The tour of the Retrospective presents two screenings of his trilogy: Videograms of a Revolution & The Autobiography of Nicolae Ceaușescu on February 12 and February 16, at BAMPFA Berkeley, California.

National Gala Premiere of THE OAK in a new 4k restoration

Romanian gala premiere of Lucian Pintilie`s THE OAK in a new 4k restoration takes place on Tuesday, February 4, 8:00 pm, at National Theater in Bucharest. The new version was made with the support of BRD – Groupe Société Générale and Fundația9 through the Lucian Pintilie Cinema Fund launched in 2018.

MW Podcast – Q&A with director Andrei Ujică

Enjoy listening to a vivid conversation with director Andrei Ujică (author of Videograms of a Revolution & The Autobiography of Nicolae Ceaușescu), which took place on November 15, 2019, at Film Forum New York, for the 14th edition of Making Waves.

The 2019 New Releases ran December 5-10

Complementing the 30-year retrospective, Making Waves returned at the Jacob Burns Film Center from December 5-10, 2019 with the traditional panorama of the best new releases of the year.

MO’ star Dana Rogoz & director Radu Dragomir @ JBFC

Presenting his debut film in the U.S. Premiere, director Radu Dragomir will join Making Waves/New Releases at Jacob Burns Film Center on December 7, 7:30 p.m. for the screening of MO. Title character of the film, beloved actress Dana Rogoz will also be present there for the Q&A session.

THE WHISTLERS’ star Rodica Lazăr @ JBFC

A mainstay of many of the New Wave films (from The Death of Mr Lazarescu to Principles of Life, The Last Day, or Ramona), actress Rodica Lazăr will join the Making Waves/New Releases opening night screening of The Whistlers on December 5 at the Jacob Burns Film Center for a Q&A session.

Constantin Popescu wraps up @ Film Forum

Director Constantin Popescu will join us for the closing screening of "The Romanians" at Film Forum with his visceral Pororoca, followed by a Q&A moderated by Richard Peña (Tuesday, November 26, 8:00 pm). Don't miss also his contribution to the Tales from the Golden Age omnibus, the Pig segment, playing Saturday, November 23.

Film Forum Repertory Calendar feat. “The Romanians” is out

Film Forum's November 2019 – February 2020 Repertory Calendar is out, featuring the 30-film series "The Romanians", along with other must-see fare. Check it out and save the dates!

Director Tudor Giurgiu at MW2019

One of the oldest friends of Making Waves, director Tudor Giurgiu will be coming to New York for the screening of his 2012 film Of Snails and Men on November 23. Parking, his fourth feature, is also being featured in this year's New Releases program.

Director Andrei Ujică @ Film Forum

One of the most appreciated representatives of the New Non-Fictional Cinema in the world, director and professor Andrei Ujică will be present at "The Romanians" at Film Forum for the screening of two of his legendary titles in this year's special retrospective: Videograms of a Revolution and The Autobiography of Nicolae Ceaușescu.

Actor Andi Vasluianu joins the Retrospective

One of the most prolific and talented actors of his generation, Andi Vasluianu joins us at Film Forum for the presentation of two titles in the retrospective: Cristian Nemescu's California Dreamin' (Endless) on Thu, November 21, and Of Snails and Men by Tudor Giurgiu, who will also be in New York for the screening (Sat, November 23).

ALIANȚA Cultural Award 2019 for Making Waves Festival!

We proudly announce that Film ETC. Association / Romanian Film Initiative was awarded with 2019 ALIANȚA Cultural Award - Excellence Award for Promoting Romanian Films in USA, through Making Waves film festival.

Legendary Film Forum joins Making Waves

Legendary NYC film institution, Film Forum has joined the 14th edition of Making Waves to co-present the largest program dedicated to Romanian cinema presented in the U.S. to date: THE ROMANIANS: 30 YEARS OF CINEMA REVOLUTION, a 12 day, 30-film series celebrating three decades of post-Ceausescu cinema, from November 15-26, 2019.

Making Waves receives the support of TMU and other donors

The 14th edition of Making Waves is made possible with the support of the Trust for Mutual Understanding, Romanian Filmmakers Union, Dacin Sara, the Romanian National Film Center, Blue Heron Foundation and numerous individual donors.

Sneak Peek:
“The Romanians” trailer is online

Get a taste on what the "The Romanians: 30 Years of Cinema Revolution", opening November 15 at Film Forum, has in store.

“The Romanians” launched in the U.S. at Film Forum NYC

“The thirty Romanian films from the thirty years since the fall of communism presented this year at Film Forum mark a cycle of creative freedom in Romanian cinema,” notes Corina Suteu, Making Waves festival president and co-curator.

Cinema Projects is the retrospective partner

"Romanian cinema of the past 30 years feels especially relevant in today's America,” says David Schwartz, founder of Cinema Projects and co-curator of the retrospective.

Making Waves Celebrates 30 Years of New Romanian Cinema with U.S. Tour

Making Waves has launched a nationwide tour of The Romanians: 30 Years of Cinema Revolution. A selection of the program will tour throughout the U.S. through May 2020, beginning at the University of California at Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA).

Today is #GivingTuesday. Celebrate by supporting the largest Romanian retrospective in the U.S. on a national tour in more than seven cities, from December 2019 through May 2020. Learn more and Support!

Making Waves and Film Forum announce “The Romanians”

The largest program dedicated to Romanian cinema presented in the U.S. to date, this 30-film series celebrates 30 years of post-Ceauşescu cinema – from the early 1990s, when directors were finally free to look clearly at the Communist era, through the exciting years of the Romanian New Wave, and the current decade, with much new talent still emerging.