Paul Negoescu, age 31, is a Romanian film director, writer, and
producer, born in Bucharest, educated at the Ion Luca Caragiale National
Academy of Theatrical Arts and Cinematography in Bucharest, who
has turned out over a half dozen short films since 2006, plus his
first feature film, "A Month In Thailand," which was premiered
at the Venice Film Festival in 2012.
In his early work Paul was fascinated by the prospect of making
films without any dialogue, even while all normal sounds of the actions
would be heard. An example was his short film, "Horizon",
in which Paul explores the philosophical question: If a fisherman
mysteriously disappears in the depth of the Black Sea and there
is nobody around to hear him, does he make a sound?
"Horizon" has been selected for showing next month in France
at the Cannes Film Festival (14-22 May 2015). It was previously
screened at an international film festival in Bucharest.
Horizon (teaser) - Bucharest International Experimental Film Festival - BIEFF 2012
Paul's debut feature film, called "A Month In Thailand," explores the dilemma
of the generation today that, in his view, is saturated with too
many choices and thus is stymied by indecision.
"I started with this film wanting to make a film about my generation," Paul told
an interviewer at the Thessaloniki Film Festival in Greece.
"A month in Thailand" tells the story of Radu (Andrei Mateiu) who,
on New Year's Eve, discovers that his life is not satisfying with
his sentimental and clinging girlfriend Adina (Ioana Anastasia
Anton), and so they part. Radu then runs a journey through Bucharest's
clubs and parties, seeking an ex-girlfriend (Sinziana Nicola). But is
she the woman Radu really needs?
OFFICIAL TRAILER: A Month In Thailand (1-1/4 mins) - subtitles
During the Sarajevo Film Festival in 2012, a videographer caught up
with Paul on the set of a thus-far untitled short film, where Paul spoke
about his trilogy-project dealing with the theme of water:
INTERVIEW: On-the-set with director Paul Negoescu (2-2/3 minutes)
More recently, in a magazine interview, Paul reflected on the problems
encountered by all filmmakers in Romania, such as the scarcity of money
and the relatively small number of cinemas. "There are many things
I dislike about Romania," Paul said, "but I wouldn't want to leave."
ALLAN CRUSE
03 APR 2015