The Romanian film "The New Year That Never Came," directed by Bogdan Muresanu and produced by Ada Solomon, won the Golden Pyramid Award - the highest distinction at the prestigious Cairo International Film Festival, now in its 45th edition, the Ministry of Culture announced on Friday.
According to a statement posted on the Ministry of Culture's Facebook page, the international jury and the Egyptian audience were deeply moved by this tragicomedy, which received resounding applause and was praised throughout the evening.
The trophy was handed over to Romania's ambassador to Egypt, Olivia Toderean, by the festival's director, renowned actor Hussein Fahmy, and Egypt's Minister of Culture, Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hanno.
"A great success for Romanian cinema and a new page of cultural excellence! We warmly congratulate Bogdan Muresanu, Ada Solomon, the entire team of actors and creators who brought this extraordinary film to life!," said the ministry.
The Cairo International Film Festival is the oldest and most prestigious cinematic event in the Middle East and Africa, and this success strengthens Romania's cultural projection in the region.
"The New Year That Never Came," directed by Bogdan Muresanu, depicts the emotional chaos on the eve of the Romanian Revolution. In episodes full of humor, the fates of six people intersect while Ceausescu's dictatorship collapses, although no one can predict the scale of the changes.
The cast includes Adrian Vancica, Nicoleta Hancu, Iulian Postelnicu, Mihai Calin, Emilia Dobrin, Andrei Miercure.
The film premiered on September 1 at the Venice International Film Festival, where it won the "Orizzonti" Award for Best Film.