Kontinental '25 | |
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Directed by | Radu Jude |
Written by | Radu Jude |
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Starring |
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Cinematography | Marius Panduru |
Edited by | Cătălin Crystal |
Music by | Matei Teodorescu |
Production companies |
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Distributed by | Luxbox |
Release date |
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Running time | 109 minutes |
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Kontinental '25 is a 2025 comedy-drama film written and directed by Radu Jude. The title of the film is inspired by Roberto Rossellini's 1951 film Europe '51 . It stars Eszter Tompa as Orsolya, a bailiff in Cluj, who faces a moral crisis when a homeless man she tries to evict, living in the basement of a building, commits suicide. [1] [2]
The film had its world premiere at the main competition of the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, on 19 February 2025, [3] where it won the Silver Bear for Best Screenplay. [4]
A homeless man's eviction in Cluj leads to his tragic suicide, leaving bailiff Orsolya consumed by guilt. This film, blending drama and absurdist comedy, examines the housing crisis, post-socialist economics, and nationalism. Inspired by Europe '51 , it contrasts meaningful action with Orsolya's desperate, unfulfilled search for understanding. Her moral ambiguity reflects contemporary societal malaise.
Kontinental '25 had its world premiere on 19 February 2025, as part of the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, in Competition. [5] [6] [7]
Paris-based Luxbox acquired the sales rights of the film in January 2025. [8]
It competed in the official competition Grand Prix competition at the Luxembourg City Film Festival on 8 March, 2025. [9] [10]
The film was screened in Les Auteurs at the 49th Hong Kong International Film Festival on 12 April 2025. [11] [12]
The film featured at the 72nd Sydney Film Festival in the Features section on 4 June 2025. [13] The film was also part of Horizons section of the 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, where it was screened from 4 July to 10 July 2025. [14] In August it was showcased at the 31st Sarajevo Film Festival in 'In Focus' section. [15]
The film also made it to the Main Slate of the 2025 New York Film Festival, where it will have its North American Premiere in October 2025. [16] On 11 October 2025, it will be presented in Panorama section of 2025 Vancouver International Film Festival. [17] It will also be presented in 'Strands: Debate' section of the 2025 BFI London Film Festival on 17 October 2025. [18] [19]
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes , 100% of 20 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7.3/10. [20] Metacritic , which uses a weighted average , assigned the film a score of 80 out of 100, based on 5 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews. [21]
Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref. |
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Berlin International Film Festival | 23 February 2025 | Golden Bear | Kontinental '25 | Nominated | [22] |
Silver Bear for Best Screenplay | Radu Jude | Won | [23] | ||
Luxembourg City Film Festival | 16 March 2025 | The Grand Prix | Kontinental '25 | Nominated | [24] |