A train takes two newlyweds hoping to find an easier way to make a living—a conductor from Bucharest and his wife, a pianist—from the hard life of Romania to the woman’s homeland of Moldova, where the wedding will be held. The wedding not only reunites her with her family but allows the couple the chance to receive presents and money that they desperately need to start their new life together. In the midst of political debate, social complexities, and economic hardships, what emerges is a portrait of a community that celebrates joie de vivre and humanity. The film holds on to its optimism while it delights artistically in the sociopolitical complexities of a region that has known its share of sorrows.

Wedding in Bessarabia is part of the Third Annual Romanian Film Festival at UMMA. Please also join us on Saturday, September 24 when Romanian composer Cornel Taranu gives a short talk about his film score to Red Apples and his collaboration with film director Alexandru Tatos. The festival will conclude on September 24 with a 7:30 pm screening of award-winning short films.