American Independent Film Festival arrives in Timișoara
with an exceptional selection of films
Timișoara becomes between June 5 and 7, within the framework of the American Independent Film Festival (AIFF), a new meeting point for the audience passionate about contemporary independent cinema. The 2026 edition brings to the big screen a selection of powerful, emotional and socially relevant films, signed by some of the most appreciated directors of the moment. The audience is expected at Cinema Timiș, and tickets are on sale on the cinema’s website or at the box office.
The festival opens with a landmark moment for cinema with Romanian origins: Two People Exchanging Saliva, directed by Natalie Musteata and Alexandre Singh, winner of the Oscar for Best Live-Action Short Film. Two People Exchanging Saliva is a satirical dystopia set in a society where intimacy is forbidden, exploring current themes such as social control, freedom and desire through an absurd story, transforming gestures of intimacy into acts of resistance. Friday, June 5, 6:30 PM, Cinema Timiș
Friday night continues at the cinema with the screening of The Testament of Ann Lee, signed by Mona Fastvold, an original musical inspired by the life of the founder of the Shaker movement. The film, co-written with Brady Corbet, with whom she also teamed up for the script of the film The Brutalist, combines spirituality, history and musical expression in a story about faith and utopia, bringing Amanda Seyfried the Golden Globe for best performance. Friday, June 5, 8:00 PM, Cinema Timiș
The program also includes Queen at Sea, the film that marks the return of director Lance Hammer to the big screen. Considered by The Guardian as “overwhelming in its tragic honesty”, the film explores deep themes such as dementia, human fragility and family responsibility, through intense performances by Tom Courtenay and Anna Calder-Marshall. The film won the Jury Prize at Berlin and is distributed in Romania by Transilvania Film. Saturday, June 6, 8:00 PM
Among the titles presented in Timișoara is Is This Thing On?, directed by Bradley Cooper, a comedy with subtle dramatic accents inspired by the life of British comedian John Bishop. The film follows the story of a divorcing couple, played by Will Arnett and Laura Dern, who try to redefine their lives and co-parenting relationship. Acclaimed at the New York Film Festival, the film was described by international critics as a sincere and therapeutic reflection on separation and rediscovery of oneself. Sunday, June 7, 8:00 PM
The American Independent Film Festival is dedicated to North American independent productions, distinguished by their innovative style and non-conformist approaches, different from Hollywood cinema. In its nine editions so far, the festival has brought to Romania award-winning films at the Sundance Film Festival, the Telluride Film Festival, the Tribeca Festival and the Cannes Film Festival, alongside renowned guests such as Joaquin Phoenix, Ethan Hawke, Barry Jenkins, Sebastian Stan, Kathleen Turner, Bill Murray and Steven Spielberg.
The American Independent Film Festival is organized in Timișoara with the support of Cinema Timiș, managed by the Municipality of Timișoara through the Project Center.
With the support of: Aqua Carpatica, Adrem
Cultural project financed by: CNC
Partners: French Institute, Cinema Muzeul Țăranului, Europa Cinemas, Cinema Timiș
Main media partner: PRO TV, VOYO
Cultural partner: RFI Romania
Media partners: PRO TV, VOYO, Europa FM, Films in Frame, Cultura la dubă, Like 5, Liternet, Cinefan, TVR Timișoara, Radio România Timișoara, Daily Magazine, Biz, Movienews, Cărturești, Marele Ecran
Monitoring partner: mediaTrust
