The film “Libertate”, directed by Tudor Giurgiu reconstructed, based on real events, the dramatic occurrences in Sibiu during the December 1989 Revolution.

In the chaotic days of the Revolution that led to the fall of the communist regime, the Transylvanian city of Sibiu becomes the scene of a violent assault on a police unit, which quickly escalates into a bloody confrontation between soldiers, police officers, civilian protesters, and members of the Securitate. In a desperate attempt to escape the siege, police captain Viorel is captured by the army and thrown into an empty swimming pool, together with hundreds of prisoners accused of terrorism.

In the film “Libertate”, the actor Ștefan Iancu brings to the screen the energy and vulnerability of a generation trying to understand the courage and confusion of that historical moment. 

Iancu is one of the most acclaimed actors of the new generation in Romania, known for his roles in the film “One Step Behind the Seraphim” (“Un pas în urma serafimilor”) directed by Daniel Sandu, and “Vlad”, the successful TV series aired on PRO TV. 

About the educational iniative
Screen of Memory – The Last Missing Chapters from the History Book was a project by Freedom House Romania, held in November 2025, as an inovative educational initiative, with the support of the City Hall of the First District. The event uses film as a tool for understanding recent history and reflecting on democratic values, providing a framework for intergenerational dialogue.

Screened films:

  • Metronom, directed by Alexandru Belc – adolescence and freedom under communism;
  • Libertate, directed by Tudor Giurgiu – a reconstruction of the 1989 Revolution;
  • Fotografii însângerate, directed by Copel Moscu – the memory of the Holocaust and the Iași pogrom.

After each screening, debates were moderated by Adina Popescu (Dilema magazine) and Corina Negrea (Radio România Cultural), with participation from historians, filmmakers, and journalists.

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