Beyond the Hills

Story

Voichita lives in a Rumanian convent.An unexpected visit sends ripples into her remote world: Alina has come to collect her best friend.Voichita and Alina grew up in a Rumanian orphans’ home and had sworn everlasting love.Voichita assures Alina that nothing has changed, but makes clear that she has now found happiness in God. For Aline this makes no sense, she protests, goes on the rampage, terrorizes Voichita.With the religious means at their disposal, the convent community try to heal the “possessed” Alina and her pain – with confession, fasting, Hail Marys, exorcism.Based on a true story that caused a sensation in Rumania in 2005, the film won the prize for the best screenplay at Cannes and the two protagonists won the prize for best actress.

Director

Cristian Mungiu (*1968) studied film science in Bucharest. In 2007, he was the first Rumanian to win the Golden Palm in Cannes for 4 months, 3 weeks & 2 days. The film was chosen as Rumania’s nomination for an Oscar.