Romanian Radu Jude Wins Silver Bear for Best Screenplay at Berlinale 2025

Romanian filmmaker Radu Jude has been awarded the Silver Bear for Best Screenplay at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) for his latest feature, Kontinental ’25. This marks Jude’s third major recognition at Berlinale, following his Silver Bear for Best Director in 2015 for Aferim! and the Golden Bear in 2021 for Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn.

Kontinental ’25: A Bold and Minimalist Approach

Kontinental ’25 is a unique blend of drama and comedy, centring on Orsolya, a bailiff struggling with guilt after evicting a homeless man who subsequently takes his own life. The film explores morality, guilt, and societal responsibility, drawing inspiration from Roberto Rossellini’s Europa ’51.

In a groundbreaking move, the film was shot entirely on an iPhone 15 with minimal equipment, showcasing Jude’s innovative approach to filmmaking. The director described the project as “a film with themes rather than about something,” emphasizing its focus on dialogue and moral dilemmas.

The cast includes notable actors such as Eszter Tompa, Gabriel Spahiu, Șerban Pavlu, and Oana Mardare. Behind the scenes, the production was led by Saga Film in collaboration with international partners from Brazil, Switzerland, the UK, and Luxembourg. Marius Panduru handled the minimalist yet poignant cinematography.

Jude’s Acceptance Speech

During his acceptance speech, Jude dedicated the award to legendary filmmaker Luis Buñuel and delivered a politically charged message about Europe’s current state. He humorously referenced the upcoming German elections while criticizing rising far-right sentiments.

Jude linked his message to concerns over the ongoing war in Ukraine, expressing fears that Ukraine might be abandoned to Russian aggression. He stated, “It’s evident that all of Europe, if not the entire world—and certainly Romania—is in great danger from these two madmen who could destroy an already fragile peace.” This act of protest underscored his broader critique of rising authoritarianism and far-right politics globally.

Fuck Putin + Trump controversy

At the 2025 Berlinale, Radu Jude made a bold political statement by writing “Fuck Putin + Trump” on his official festival portrait during a public signing session. When asked about this gesture, Jude explained that it was a deliberate act to highlight the dangers posed by these two leaders, particularly in the context of fragile global peace and ongoing geopolitical tensions. He emphasized that Europe, including Romania, is at significant risk due to what he described as the reckless actions of Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.

The Romanian premiere of Kontinental ’25 is scheduled for spring 2025.