The Great Communist Bank Robbery | MakingWaves

The Great Communist Bank Robbery

Original title: Marele jaf comunist

Alexandru Solomon. 2004, Romania/France, 75 min

An unusual robbery at the Romanian National Bank in 1959 triggered a massive police search, and an even more unusual outcome. When the alleged burglars were caught and arrested, they reenacted their crime for a TV movie film in which they played themselves. Although evidence suggests the criminals believed they would be spared the death sentence by appearing in the film, the reality was different. Described by director Alexandru Solomon as a “political detective story,” this documentary investigates both a historical mystery and the transformation of history into film.

Written and Directed by Alexandru Solomon
Cinematography: Constantin Chelba
Production: Libra Film & Les Films d’Ici
Festivals: Grand Prix, Mediawave Gyor, Hungary; Prize for Social Values, Documenta Madrid 2005
Romanian with English subtitles
DCP

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Critics’ Corner

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"In Romania, the democratic reforms that followed the execution of Nicolae Ceausescu in 1989 also turned the country into a global filmmaking powerhouse, culminating in what has been called the Romanian New Wave."

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The New Wave festival returns to New York every year with astonishing new films, alongside a well-curated archive. I wouldn't miss it for the world.

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„The former communist country has emerged as a powerhouse of cinema over the last two decades and much has been made about the Romanian New Wave, a genre of naturalistic and unflinching films that have been consistently winning top prizes such as the Palme d’Or in Cannes and awards at the Berlin and Venice festivals.”

The New York Times

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The Wall Street Journal

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The Wall Street Journal

„Romania cinema has gradually become a central component of international film culture."