In the heart of Cluj-Napoca, where the cobblestones of Piața Unirii have witnessed countless stories, the 25th edition of the Transilvania International Film Festival (TIFF) prepares to unfold from June 12 to 21. This year, TIFF. 25 promises to be a celebration not only of film but also of the enduring cultural spirit that has defined Cluj-Napoca as a cinematic hub.

With the city basking in its status as a UNESCO City of Film since 2021, the festival welcomes over 100,000 attendees annually, proof of its growing influence since its inception in 2001 with just 8,700 spectators. TIFF. 25 marks a significant milestone with a wide array of films, totaling 204 screenings.

The opening night will feature the national premiere of "3 zile în septembrie," a comedy by Romanian director Tudor Giurgiu, which had its world premiere in Rotterdam. Giurgiu is no stranger to TIFF, having played a key role in its foundation and growth. The festival will also showcase "Jurnalul unei cameriste" by Radu Jude, which premiered at Cannes and will be presented in Romania for the first time at TIFF before its cinema release in autumn.

A highlight of this year's festival is the eagerly anticipated presentation of the first images from "NADIA," a documentary about the legendary gymnast Nadia Comăneci. Directed by Tudor Giurgiu, Cristian Pascariu, and Tudor D. Popescu, the film draws from archival footage and exclusive interviews, with Comăneci herself attending the screening. Scheduled for release in 2027, "NADIA" promises a deep dive into the life and legacy of a national icon.

TIFF. 25 also celebrates the past with the "25 Years Later" program, revisiting ten cinematic gems from 2001. This selection includes David Lynch's "Mulholland Drive," Hayao Miyazaki's "Spirited Away," and Jean-Pierre Jeunet's "Amélie," each a landmark in film history.

Lynch and Miyazaki's works garnered international acclaim, with Cannes and Berlin awards underscoring their impact. The festival dedicates a full retrospective to Corneliu Porumboiu, a filmmaker whose works have left an indelible mark on Romanian cinema. From his debut "A fost sau n-a fost?"

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to the more recent "La Gomera," Porumboiu's films will be celebrated, and he will receive the TIFF. 25 Trophy. Attendees can also look forward to a masterclass by Porumboiu, offering insights into his creative process.

Mihai Chirilov, TIFF's artistic director, has dubbed 2026 "the year of debutants," reflecting the festival's commitment to nurturing new talent. This year, actors like Valeriu Andriuță, Maria Popistașu, and Cristian Bota make their directorial debuts, showcasing a fresh wave of Romanian cinema. Such transitions highlight the dynamic nature of the film industry, where boundaries between acting and directing blur to create new narratives.

The festival is not only about film screenings. The cine-concerts program offers a unique blend of music and cinema, featuring classics like Mircea Săucan's "Meandre" and René Clair's "Parisul doarme." Meanwhile, the "Notte Morricone" concert will pay homage to the legendary composer Ennio Morricone, enriching the festival's cultural offerings.

In a nod to cinematic history, TIFF introduces the "Janovics Jenő" Award, named after the visionary who transformed Cluj into a film production center in the early 1910s. This award honors the pioneers who laid the groundwork for today's vibrant film community. The "Dear Marilyn" exhibition adds yet another layer to the festival, celebrating the centenary of Marilyn Monroe's birth with photographs by Sam Shaw.

This exhibition not only commemorates Monroe's iconic status but also connects the festival's audience with broader cultural narratives. As TIFF. 25 unfolds, it serves as a reminder of both the rich heritage and the innovative future of cinema in Cluj-Napoca.

The festival remains a beacon of cultural exchange, where local talent and international artistry converge, ensuring that Cluj's cinematic legacy continues to inspire future generations. With each edition, TIFF strengthens its role as a cultural cornerstone in Transylvania, drawing filmmakers, critics, and audiences from around the world. As the festival draws to a close, the echoes of applause and the flicker of the silver screen will linger, proof of the power of storytelling and the shared human experience it encourage.