Meet Corneliu Porumboiu

Corneliu Porumboiu, the Romanian director and screenwriter has won a number of prizes at Cannes: he won the Cinéfondation second prize in 2004 for his short film Calatorie la Oras (A Trip to the City), the Caméra d’Or in 2006 for A Fost Sau N-A Fost (12h08 East of Bucharest) and the Prix du Jury at Un Certain Regard in 2009 for Politist, Adjectiv (Police, Adjective). This year he returns to Cannes as a member of the Cinéfondation and Short Films Jury.

Every time you’ve been to Cannes, you’ve won something.  This must be a special festival for you?
Yes, it really is a very special festival for me.  I read an article once where someone said, I can’t remember who, that I was a child of the Festival de Cannes. I guess that’s kind of true. The Cinéfondation Prize that I won in 2004 was really important for me because I had just finished my studies, right at that stage when I wasn’t quite sure what I was going to do in the future.  And the juries are always striking.  In 2004 Mikhalkov and Nuri Bilge Ceylan were involved… These directors make films that are hugely popular. Winning that prize was really important for me as a young director. Then I entered the Résidence, made my first feature film and came back twice. So yes, it really is a very special festival for me.

And now you’re here in a different role, as a member of the jury. Why did you agree to it?  What does this role mean to you?
First and foremost it’s an honour. When I was a student I watched lots of Cinéfondation films.  They’re really interesting because they’re bold and sometimes experimental. I saw some great films in this selection when I was younger, and I’m very happy because I’m sure I’m going to get to watch some great movies. I don’t have particular expectations, I want to be surprised, I want to see directors who are trying to find their own voice, their own way.

What are the differences between short films and features?
When I was a student I tried to develop character portraits in my short films. I made a total of 9 during my studies, and I tried a lot of things visually. For me, short films were always about preparing for features, even though they differ a lot in terms of structure and form…

What is your favourite memory of Cannes?
It was the first time I came here on the Cinéfondation terrace, which I love.  It was the beginning of the festival and I arrived in front of the Palais des Festivals without my pass, and I didn’t know where to go and get it.  I was lost.  I saw lots of people dressed up going to see films, and for the first time I said to myself, “I’m not the only one who thinks that cinema matters.” In Romania, art isn’t given so much prominence and importance.  It’s seen as more of a hobby. Coming to Cannes for the first time was a real shock for me.

Interview by A.C.