Romanian conductor and composer Sergiu Celibidache was installed as principal conductor at the de-Nazified Berlin Philharmonic in 1945. But this virtuoso musician bewildered his sponsors by his singular insistence (derived from his Zen Buddhist studies) — that music should never be recorded. It was a stand which would have profound consequences on his career, but he stuck to it regardless. Written and directed by his son, Serge Ioan Celebidachi, this biopic is a labour of love, with John Malkovich playing the conductor in old age, and Ben Schnetzer in his prime.
All screenings in the Romanian Film Festival are Free. Reservations are recommended to confirm your seat.
A strong, unassuming picture.
Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian
Serge Ioan Celebidachi
Ben Schnetzer, Kate Phillips, John Malkovich, Sean Bean, Miranda Richardson
Romania/UK
2025
English
Book Tickets
Tuesday December 01
Credits
Screenwriter
Serge Ioan Celebidachi, James Olivier
Cinematography
Peter Menzies Jr.
Editor
Mircea Olteanu
Original Music
Kathryn Kluge, Kim Allen Kluge
Production Design
Vlad Vieru
Art Director
Andrei-Florian Popa, Grigore Puscariu
Also in This Series
Free screenings showcasing six of the best Romanian films from the last couple of years.
The Yellow Tie
Kicking off a mini-festival of Romanian (and Romanian-Canadian) films, all screening for free, this impressive biopic of the renowned (but never recorded — at his insistence) Romanian conductor Sergiu Celibidache was directed by his son.
The Law School Gang
Seven law students, bound by a strong friendship, face life-changing challenges as they unite to help a colleague's sick daughter, discovering sacrifice, loyalty, and the true meaning of solidarity.
The World is My Arena
This is the true story of George Balta, a rugby player paralyzed in an accident, who reinvents himself as a wheelchair marathoner and motivational speaker, and who plays himself in the film.
Mihnea
Mike Doaga wrote, directed and edited this independent Canadian film, and also plays the central character, Mike (or Mihnea, as he was christened). Mike is studying neuroscience while driving a party bus for his overbearing Romanian-born dad's business.
Horia
Restless teenager Horia takes off on his father's old motorbike in a cross-country journey to reunite with his love. On the road, he is joined by Stela, a sassy 13-year-old, and an unlikely friendship blooms.
