The Chicago International Film Festival features this year, as part of its 46th edition, two recent Romanian productions. If  I Want to Whistle, I Whistle, directed by Florin Şerban, is Romania’s official entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 83rd Academy Awards. Following itw world premiere in Cannes 2010, and its US premiere at the New York Film Festival in September, Radu Muntean's Tuesday, After Christmas continues its US presentation. Director Radu Muntean appears in person, with the support of RCINY.


If  I Want to Whistle, I Whistle
Silviu has only five days left before his release from the juvenile detention centre. But five days become an eternity when his mother returns from a long absence to take his younger brother away – a brother whom he raised like a son. Moreover, he has fallen in love with a beautiful social worker, and is not sure how to deal with or act on his feelings. With time running out and his emotions boiling over, Silviu makes an unthinkable decision—one that will allow him a taste of freedom, if only for a brief time. Winner of the Grand Jury Prize Silver Bear at 2010 Berlin Film Festival and Best Feature Film (Romanian Days) at Transilvania International Film Festival.

Tuesday, After Christmas (Marţi, după Crăciun)
Paul (Mimi Brănescu) must choose between his wife of ten years, Adriana (Mirela Oprişor), and his mistress, pediatric dentist Raluca (Maria Popistaşu). 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, Oprişor, as the oblivious and then wounded wife, is astonishing in her portrayal of one woman’s betrayal, hurt, and spite. – NYFF


[Image: Still from 'Tuesday, After Christmas,' directed by Radu Muntean]