Thanato Thanaton (Cu moartea pe moarte călcând)

The film takes place over the course of a single day at a remote Orthodox monastery and centres on Tamara, a modern and independent woman who joins her partner, sister and nephew in search of a priest believed to possess healing powers. While waiting, Tamara meets Sister Jeni, an older nun whose quiet despair leads to an intense conversation about faith, marriage, motherhood, freedom, and the expectations imposed on women. As their opposing worldviews come into conflict, both women are forced to confront the uncomfortable possibility that many of their deepest-held beliefs may not truly be their own. The encounter has lasting consequences, culminating in a disturbing act that reshapes the meaning of everything that came before.
Blending psychological drama with a subtle sense of mystery and dark humour, the film explores how personal identity is shaped (and often restricted) by religious, familial, and social expectations. Rather than taking sides, it invites audiences to reflect on authenticity, inner freedom, and the consequences of suppressing one's own voice.
Visually, the film contrasts the luminous serenity of the monastery’s exterior with the claustrophobic intimacy of its interior spaces. Shot on Super 16mm film, the project embraces the format’s organic texture, natural grain, and tactile quality, creating a visual language that reinforces the film’s themes of memory, intimacy, and spiritual unease. Long takes, carefully choreographed performances, and a restrained cinematic approach create a contemplative atmosphere in which tension gradually builds beneath everyday interactions.
The project is aimed at audiences interested in auteur cinema and socially relevant, character-driven stories. Its universal themes, distinctive visual approach, and the expressive possibilities offered by shooting on Super 16mm give it strong potential for international film festivals and co-production markets.

On a bright spring day after Easter, Tamara travels to a remote mountain convent with her partner Teo, her sister Ioana, and Ioana’s eight-year-old son Max, who has come seeking the help of a priest believed to possess healing powers.

While Ioana and Max meet with the priest, Tamara wanders through the convent surroudings and encounters Mother Jeni, a nun whose unexpected words lead to a profound and unsettling conversation about faith, marriage, motherhood, and freedom.

As the two women confront each other’s opposing views, hidden tensions and doubts begin to surface. What initially appears to be a chance encounter gradually reveals deeper questions about the lives they have chosen and the forces that have shaped them.