SAVE THE DATE:

American Independent Film Festival, edition #9 – in Bucharest and 6 other cities, in June
June 6–12, Bucharest | June 13–14, Bran Castle

The Last Showgirl, directed by Gia Coppola, starring Pamela Anderson, can be seen for the first time in Romania at the American Independent Film Festival

The #9 edition of the American Independent Film Festival, an event presented by Raiffeisen Bank, brings an electrifying selection of American independent films to Bucharest between June 6 and 12, screened at Cinema Elvire Popesco and Cinema Muzeul Țăranului.

Between June 13 and 14, the courtyard of Bran Castle will host a special local edition, with open-air screenings, in the spectacular setting of one of the most iconic monuments in Romania.

The #9 edition marks a significant expansion of the festival outside of Bucharest, with special screenings also being prepared in other cities in the country, including Cluj, Iași, Timișoara and Sibiu, in partnership with the Sibiu International Theatre Festival (FITS), as well as in other locations to be announced.

The headliner of this edition is THE LAST SHOWGIRL, directed by Gia Coppola, starring Pamela Anderson. The film, which had its world premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and was later screened at San Sebastián, where it won the Special Jury Prize, and Zurich, marks Pamela Anderson’s return to film in a dramatic leading role after a notable hiatus.
The Last Showgirl tells the story of Shelly, a veteran Las Vegas dancer who, with the closure of the show she has performed in for 30 years, is forced to rethink her future and repair her complicated relationship with her daughter. In a major supporting role, moviegoers can once again see Jamie Lee Curtis, nominated for a BAFTA for her performance.

The film has been described by Variety as “an impressionistic visual meditation on femininity, age and reconnection”, and The Hollywood Reporter notes that Pamela Anderson “surprises with a fragile and moving performance, which marks a turning point in her career”.

Another notable title in the selection of the #9 edition of the American Independent Film Festival
is GAZER, the directorial debut of Ryan J. Sloan, selected in 2024 in the Quinzaine des Cinéastes at the Cannes Film Festival, later screened in Sitges and Deauville.
The film follows the story of Frankie (Ariella Mastroianni), a young mother who suffers from dyschronometry, a rare condition that affects her perception of time. In an attempt to support her family, Frankie accepts a risky job from an unknown woman, unaware of the consequences that await her.
Screen Daily called it “an ambitious and visually hypnotic debut, with a courageous approach to rhythm and reality”, and IndieWire highlighted “the emotional force and coherence of a personal vision”.

More details about the full festival program will be announced soon on www.filmedefestival.ro

American Independent Film Festival (AIFF) is dedicated to North American independent productions, distinguished by their unique approach, far from Hollywood patterns. Films that bring innovative voices and authentic perspectives to the forefront.

“We are glad that the Romanian audience can discover productions that circulate in the most important film festivals in the world, but which remain almost impossible to see otherwise. This year’s selection speaks of reinvention, memory and community – essential themes in contemporary American cinema. With this new edition, AIFF expands to other cities in the country, to support cultural diversity and cinematographic education, thus contributing to the formation of an increasingly open and informed audience towards independent films.”
— Cristian Mungiu, director of AIFF.

“At Raiffeisen Bank, we believe in the power of art to connect people and inspire meaningful dialogues. We are proud to support the American Independent Film Festival, an event that not only enriches the Romanian cultural landscape, but also encourages the public to discover and appreciate the diversity and depth of independent cinema.” said Laura Mihăila, Marketing, Communication & CX Director at Raiffeisen Bank Romania.

In the 8 editions held so far, AIFF has brought remarkable independent films to Romania, awarded at renowned festivals such as Sundance, Tribeca and Cannes, and has had the honor of hosting international actors and directors, such as Joaquin Phoenix, Ethan Hawke, Barry Jenkins and Steven Spielberg, offering the Bucharest audience the opportunity to learn from their professional and personal experiences.

AIFF #9 is an event presented by Raiffeisen Bank.

Cultural project funded by the Ministry of Culture, National Center of Cinema

With the support of: Aqua Carpatica, Pepsi, Cushman & Wakefield Echinox

Partners: Romanian Cultural Institute, French Institute, Cinema Elvire Popesco, Cinema Muzeul Ţăranului, Europa Cinemas, Bran Castle, Humanitas Bookstores

Main media partner: PRO TV

Media partners: Voyo, Radio Guerilla, Agerpres, Films in Frame, Cultura la Dubă, ELLE Romania, Urban.ro, Libertatea, Zile și Nopți, Haute Culture Magazine, Daily Magazine, Observator Cultural, Cinemagia, Ci