Two Romanian movies,  the feature length 'Tuesday after Christmas' and  the short movie 'Lord' were awarded at the Francofon Film festival in Namur, Belgium last week.  “Tuesday after Christmas', directed by Radu Muntean, got the ' Bayard d'Or du Meilleur film' award, while actor Mimi Branescu received the best actor award. 'Lord', a short movie directed by Adrian Sitaru, received the ' Bayard d'Or du Meilleur Court Métrage - Prix François-Bovesse' award. (Lord trailer below)

'Tuesday after Christmas' was also selected at the Cannes film festival this year, competing in the 'Un Certain Regard' section. The film was screened during the Transylvania International Film Festival (TIFF) this year. (see synopsis and trailer below)

The Film Festival in Namur, Belgium, took place between October 1 and 8.

'Tuesday after Christmas'

Paul (Mimi Branescu) must choose between his wife of ten years, Adriana (Mirela Oprisor), and his mistress, pediatric dentist Raluca (Maria Popistasu). Radu Muntean’s singular, stripped-down look at adultery contains several masterfully composed long takes—scenes that further heighten the film’s unbearable suspense, from the highly awkward meeting of all the players in the triangle to Paul’s confession to his spouse.

Muntean’s trio of exemplary actors convey the raw emotional states of their characters without ever once relying on histrionics; though each performer is mesmerizing to watch, Oprisor, as the oblivious and then wounded wife, is astonishing in her portrayal of one woman’s betrayal, hurt, and spite.

Radu Muntean, 2010, Romania, 99m

Romania-insider.com