The latest fiction feature film by director Tudor Cristian Jurgiu, On Our Own (De capul nostru), has been selected for the Forum section of the Berlin International Film Festival, where it will have its world premiere during the festival’s upcoming edition, taking place from February 12–22, 2026.
The Berlin International Film Festival is one of the most important cinematic events in the world, bringing together filmmakers, industry professionals, critics, and audiences from over 100 countries each year. The Forum section, one of the Berlinale’s most prestigious programs, is dedicated to contemporary auteur cinema and presents approximately 30 international productions distinguished by innovative narrative and aesthetic approaches. The Forum program highlights films that transcend traditional cinematic conventions while addressing socially relevant issues in today’s context.
The selection of On Our Own in the Forum section confirms the international visibility of contemporary Romanian cinema and places Tudor Cristian Jurgiu’s new project among the most significant local productions of 2026.
On Our Own tells the story of a group of teenagers from a small town in Romania whose parents work abroad. Giving voice to a generation forced to grow up too soon, the film explores how the lack of adult involvement during adolescence can lead to loneliness, emotional instability, and impulsive decisions, driven by a desperate need for belonging. Lacking support and real prospects, the young characters build their own community, finding refuge in other children and teenagers facing similar situations.
“There are approximately 150,000 children in Romania whose parents work abroad, and this phenomenon generates deep emotional trauma and fragile family relationships. This reality was the starting point for my interest in this story,” said director Tudor Cristian Jurgiu.
“I’m very happy for Tudor Jurgiu. It’s a bold and challenging project, with the main challenge being the work with first-time and non-professional actors. It’s remarkable that this is the third film (after A Safe Place and 3 Days in September) produced by our team to be selected and have its world premiere at a major international film festival (after Tallinn and Rotterdam),” added producer Tudor Giurgiu.
The leading roles are played by Denisa Vraja, Vlad Furtună, Mara Diaconu Ducica, Sofia Vasiliu, Dominique Toma, Steliana Bălăcianu, and Robert Radoveneanu.
The screenplay was written by Tudor Cristian Jurgiu and Anca Buja. The film is produced by Tudor Giurgiu and Bogdan Crăciun. Cinematography is by Andrei Butică, sound by Riccardo Nanni, editing by Alexandru Popescu and Roxana Szel, and music by Marco Biscarini and Mihai Ghiță.
On Our Own is a Romanian–Italian co-production by Libra Films and Indyca, produced with the support of the Romanian National Film Center, Romanian Public Television, Eurimages – Council of Europe, Creative Europe MEDIA, the Italian Ministry of Culture (MiBACT), and the Emilia-Romagna Regional Fund, with additional support from Vodafone Romania and Asociația Victoria Film.
Participation at the festival is supported by the Romanian National Film Center, the Romanian Cultural Institute, and DACIN SARA – Cinematographic and Audiovisual Copyright Association.
In Romania, the film will be distributed by Transilvania Film and is scheduled for release in 2026.