A Safe Place
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
Cecilia Stefanescu (1975) is a Romanian writer, journalist and director. She holds a degree in Literature from the University of Bucharest and a Master’s degree in Literary Theory and Comparative Literature. She collaborates with many magazines and has published several novels. In 2016, she wrote and directed the short film “Ferdinand 13” which won a Special Mention at Zagreb international film festival. Her second short film “Morski Briz” (2018) was screened at Transilvania international film festival.
Filmography:
Ferdinand 13 (2016, short), Morski Briz (2018, short), Un loc sigur (A Safe Place, 2025)
Award for the best film, grant of 5000€ by
