Alina Șerban Awarded in Venice: A Great Victory for Cultural Diversity

A major recognition for this first feature film, whose screenplay was developed as part of lim² | less is more. Presented in its world premiere in the Venice Spotlight section at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, Eu contez (I Matter) tells the story of Rebeca, a young Roma woman facing the end of her time in the care home where she grew up, and hoping to find a sense of stability through her father’s release from prison. 

The film draws on Alina Șerban’s own experience, as well as on several years of artistic research with young people who have grown up in the child protection system. 

But beyond the award itself, the film’s selection and recognition carry a particular significance. Eu contez brings a voice that is still too rarely heard to one of the major stages of European cinema. Shot in Romanian and Romani, the film places a young Roma protagonist at its centre and directly explores questions of identity, belonging and transmission. 

Alina Șerban is also the first Roma woman director from Romania to present a feature film in the official selection of the Venice Film Festival. Her film thus creates a space of representation for a community that remains largely underrepresented on screen, while highlighting the richness of the languages, stories and experiences that make up Europe’s cultural landscape. 

For Le Groupe Ouest, this award is particularly meaningful: Alina Șerban developed the screenplay for Eu contez as part of lim² | less is more in 2019. 

Congratulations, Alina! The whole Le Groupe Ouest team is happy for your journey and of the journey of Eu contez (I Matter)!