World premiere

A Safe Place

Local title
Pelgupaik
Original title
Un loc sigur
Director
Cecilia Stefanescu
Country
Romania
Year
2025
Festival
29th Black Nights Film Festival
Programme
First Feature Competition
Genre
Drama
Subject
familial relationships, love, infidelity

Nothing remains hidden under the blazing summer sun.

Lucia has everything a woman could want. A loving husband and son. The opportunity to devote herself entirely to her family. A lifelong friendship with Cristina, which began during their university days. Yet, amid the intoxicating idyllic summer holiday, Lucia can feel nothing but longing for the person she once was.

Lucia and Cristina, accompanied by their husbands, spend the summer in a small beach village whose charm has faded over time. Behind a façade of peace and security, Lucia finds herself drawn to everything that is not handed to her on a silver platter. An unattainable man from her past emerges in their holiday group, giving her a reason to hunt. Because life should not be without a bite.

“A Safe Place” delves into the deep recesses of womanhood with dramatic intensity. Marina Palii plays Luciana, a character memorable for her strength and vulnerability. She gives voice to an inner struggle that many experience but few dare to admit. The powerfully intimate camera work takes the viewer on a journey where summer light and shadows of longing intertwine, revealing the fragile nature of love's apparent permanence.

Elise Jagomägi

Director
Cecilia Stefanescu
Screenwriter
Cecilia Ștefănescu
Cast
Marina Palii, Virgil Aioanei, Emil Măndănac, Bianca Cuculici, Rolando Matsangos
Producer
Tudor Giurgiu, Oana Giurgiu, Bogdan Crăciun
Cinematographer
Luchian Ciobanu
Production Design
Alexandra Alma Ungureanu
Editing
Roxana Szel
Music
Sebastian Zsemlye
Sound
Sebastian Zsemlye, Liviu Lupșa
Production
Point Film
Distribution
Transilvania Film
Runtime
Language
Romanian
Subtitles
Estonian, English

Award for the best film, grant of 5000€ by

Screenings

2nd Hall Apollo Kino Coca-Cola Plaza
Screening070219 / Pelgupaik
SubtitlesEnglish, Estonian
Q&A duration
Screening duration