The fARAD International Documentary Film Festival will return to Arad, Romania, from October 8-12, 2025, for its 12th edition. The five-day event will showcase a variety of documentaries and welcome guests from the Romanian and international film scenes. A key new addition this year is a national competition specifically for Romanian short documentary films, including experimental and hybrid works. This new competition has already received 89 submissions, with artistic director Dimitris Kerkinos set to curate the program. The winning film will receive a €1,000 prize, and a special mention will be awarded a mentorship session with Romanian film editor Dana Bunescu.
Alongside the film screenings, the festival will host the 10th fARAD Laboratory, a development space for emerging documentarians. This initiative, similar to programs at Sundance and IDFA, aims to nurture talent through workshops and feedback. "Viitor luminos," directed by Andra MacMasters, a project previously developed in the fARAD Laboratory, will be screened at the festival. It previously premiered at IDFA and won an award at the 2025 Romanian Film Days. The festival seeks to enhance audience engagement with documentary cinema and promote compelling visual storytelling. The official theme and full competition lineup are expected in early September. Film festivals are vital for the industry, serving as springboards for filmmakers by offering exposure, networking, and distribution opportunities. The introduction of a national competition for short documentaries highlights fARAD's commitment to fostering Romanian cinematic talent, with the 89 submissions indicating a strong interest in the short-form documentary genre within Romania.