Country of production: Romania | Category: Fiction | Year of production: 2023 | Duration: 106’ | In Romanian with Ukrainian and English subtitles

What is the film about?

Ilie is a simple Romanian cop who wants to change the hustle and bustle of the city to a quiet job in a village near the Ukrainian border. He dreams of his cherry orchard and expects a relaxed and carefree life with nothing to worry about. But Ilie's dreams are shattered by the harsh provincial reality when he receives a phone call reporting a murder.

Why is it a must-see?

“Men of Deeds” is a comedy that gradually becomes overgrown with grim details leading to tragedy. In the film, director Paul Negoescu explores the hidden sides of small communities mired in corruption and smuggling. This story is about compromises with conscience, moral dilemmas, tolerance of crimes and personal responsibility for the inevitable consequences that are too late to stop.

About the director

Paul Negoescu presented his full-length debut, "A Month in Thailand", at the Venice Film Festival when he was only 28 years old. His second feature, a wild comedy, Two Lottery Tickets, was a hit at the Romanian box office and gained him popularity in his homeland. Paul Negoescu is one of Romania’s most impressive emerging directors who developed under the influence of the Romanian new wave.

AWARDS AND NOMINATIONS

Best Performance (Julian Postelniku), East European Film Festival, 2022

Best Film (nomination), Sarajevo International Film Festival, 2022

Best Film (nomination), Beijing International Film Festival, 2023