The Astra Film Festival 2025, recognized as Romania's oldest and one of Europe's most distinguished showcases for non-fiction cinema, commenced its activities in Sibiu on October 17. This significant forum, scheduled to run until October 26, was inaugurated with a formal reception and a critical DocTalk discussion titled, "Online and Offline Neo-Nazism on the Algorithm of Hate." Throughout the festival, attendees will have the opportunity to view more than 70 documentary features. Many of these films will be screened for the first time, followed by interactive sessions with their respective creators.
Set in the heart of Transylvania, the event traditionally serves as a vital platform for advancing documentary filmmaking across Central and Eastern Europe, offering filmmakers a pathway to international recognition. The opening night centered around the Danish documentary "Decoding Hate" (2025), directed by Simon Klose. This film meticulously investigates how social media platforms exploit and encourage the proliferation of hate speech, while simultaneously highlighting the narratives of individuals who bravely stand against this phenomenon. Screenings such as this are designed to prompt deeper reflection on how public narratives are formed and the crucial role every person plays in transforming them.
The current year's program is notable for its extensive scope, featuring five competitive categories: Romania, Eastern Europe, New Voices, DocSchool, and the newly introduced DocShorts. The films are further organized into 11 distinct thematic blocks addressing pressing contemporary issues. These blocks include thought-provoking titles such as "Woman/Mother - At What Cost," "Masculinity in Crisis," "Dictatorships - A Guide to Survival in Case of Their Possible Return," and "Neo-Fascism Online and Offline." Spanning ten days, the festival is anticipated to set a new record for scale and participation.
A key feature enhancing accessibility is the provision that two-thirds (2/3) of the total film lineup will be available for online viewing for two weeks following the official Awards Ceremony. Running concurrently with the main program, the AF Junior educational track will take place from October 20 to October 24. This block is specifically tailored for younger audiences, featuring films and workshops adapted to address themes pertinent to youth, including identity, migration, ecology, digital culture, and the pervasive issue of hate speech. The AF Junior program also includes a visual storytelling workshop titled "From Volunteer to Influencer."
Astra positions itself not merely as a showcase for cinematic works but fundamentally as a space where film transitions into dialogue. The DocTalk discussions are intended not to provide definitive conclusions but rather to open up ideas for further contemplation, actively engaging directors, guests, and the general public. By retaining the right to directly nominate films for the European Film Awards, as a recognized participant on the European Film Academy's list of nominators, the festival firmly reaffirms its elevated status within the European cinematic landscape.