The press conference for the Romanian feature film “Catane,” directed by Ioana Mischie, was held on Monday, 1 December at Honar Shahr Aftab Cineplex in Shiraz, as part of the 43rd Fajr International Film Festival.
A Romanian–Italian dark comedy, “Catane” is written and directed by visual artist and transmedia filmmaker Ioana Mischie and competed in the festival’s International Competition section. Inspired by real-life stories, the film is set in a remote Romanian village whose residents collectively declare themselves disabled to avoid overwhelming taxes—turning an act of shared deception into a witty, poetic, and sharply satirical critique of bureaucratic absurdity.
Opening the session, Mischie described the project as her first feature film. “It took me ten years to secure the funding for this film,” she said. “I’m truly happy to finally share it with international audiences.”
She explained that the screenplay draws on true short stories. “In the early 2000s, more than eight million Romanians applied for social assistance. There was also a Greek island where everyone claimed to be blind to avoid paying taxes, even though they owned cars. The film approaches these realities through humor and irony.”
Mischie emphasized the film’s tonal balance, noting that “Catane” blends comedy and drama to bring opposing worlds into dialogue. “We see urban life versus rural life, essence versus appearance,” she said. “What makes the film meaningful is how these contrasts ultimately lead to empathy and forgiveness, teaching us how to live together despite our differences.” She pointed to scenes in which inspectors and villagers—representing two very different social groups—gradually begin to understand and adapt to one another. “In Romania, humor is a way of healing. Through laughter, we confront serious issues.”
The director also highlighted the film’s environmentally conscious production process. “During filming, we respected all the village rules—separating waste, avoiding plastic in nature, and so on. I hope one day you’ll visit Romania, and I can show you that village myself.”
Discussing the casting process, Mischie explained that the film brought together professional actors and local villagers. “While filming, we witnessed local rituals, which led to moments of improvisation. The film became a blend of what I had written and what emerged naturally on set. Including local residents added authenticity to the work.”
She acknowledged the challenges posed by limited funding but praised her team’s dedication. “Despite the financial constraints, my team was incredibly talented and deeply drawn to the poetic nature of the story, which made the experience enjoyable.”
Reflecting on her career, Mischie noted that although many of her short films and documentaries have been nominated for awards across five continents, “Catane” marks her feature-length debut. She also addressed the underrepresentation of women directors at festivals. “Perhaps making this film can be inspiring, encouraging more women to express their perspectives creatively and take an active role in cinema.”
Speaking about Romanian cinema, she added, “Romania has strong cinematic voices and many renowned directors. I see myself as part of a generation that combines poetic language with the ability to connect with a wide audience. That balance shaped this experience.”
Concluding the session, Mischie expressed her affection for Shiraz. “I truly loved this city. I have Iranian friends, which made Iran feel familiar to me. I would love to pursue a co-production with Iran, and I’ll do everything I can to make that dream come true.”
The 43rd Fajr International Film Festival is currently underway in Shiraz from November 26 to December 3, 2025, bringing together filmmakers, critics, and cinema enthusiasts from around the world through a diverse program of screenings, discussions, and cultural events. The winners of the competitive sections will be announced during the closing ceremony on Tuesday evening, December 2, at the festival headquarters.
