Three Films, One Screen: Elena Vatamanu-Mărgineanu’s Student Short Films to Premiere in Chișinău

After graduating from the Faculty of Cinematography and Post-production at the Warsaw Film School, director Elena Vatamanu-Mărgineanu returns to the Republic of Moldova with a desire to bring her creative work closer to her home audience. She will present three of her short films created during her studies. Under the theme “Three at 23”, the screening will take place on June 15, at 6:00 PM, at Odeon Cinema in Chișinău.

All three films will be screened with English subtitles.

• “Reflections” (2023) – a drama awarded Best International Short Film at the Rabat Auteur Film Festival in Morocco and Best Debut at the EduKino Festival in Warsaw, Poland.

• “The First Last Moon” (2024) – a drama that recently won the Best Directing Award at the Female Character Festival in Belgrade, Serbia.

• “To Be or Not to Die” (2025) – a dramatic comedy, this is Elena’s graduation film and will have its world premiere at the event.

Tickets cost 40 lei and can be purchased [here] or directly at the cinema entrance.

Elena Vatamanu-Mărgineanu is part of a new wave of young filmmakers shaping their artistic voice in international educational contexts, while maintaining a strong connection to their roots. Her studies in Poland—a country known for its rich cinematic tradition and prestigious film school—have provided her with the tools to develop a personal cinematic language rooted in observation, introspection, and authenticity. Her return to Chișinău and the organization of this screening mark an important step in reconnecting her art with the local audience.