The workshop is aimed at Romanian teens from all over the country, aged 14 to 18, who are keen on film, photography or art, in general. They apply, 10 get selected and get to go through all stages of film production, guided by coordinators, trainers (students at film schools around Romania, or film professionals). They get cameras, computers for editing, and workshops to teach them how, what, when and why.

As of 2007, LGD also invites its alumni to apply and come back as a senior participant, to guide the youngsters and also supervise the making-of film of the workshop. “I attended the LGD workshop when I was 15 years old, and it was a milestone in my development. I had the chance to meet young people from all over the country who were interested in films, art and beauty. We still keep in touch. LGD opens ones eyes to a new understanding of film and creation. I don’t think it influened me in choosing to pursue film during college. But it sure did stimulate my curiosity to learn more about film” says Diana Jaleru, a senior participant in the 2011, and a recent film graduate. It’s been 7 years and it’s been held 9 times, and the workshop seems to grow bigger and bigger. “We had almost 100 applications. All of them showed potential in visual arts and film. Unfortunately we can only select 15 participants, but there are people who are applying the second or third time” says Iulia Rugina, coordinator of the workshop, and a film director, herself.

Transylvanian International Film Festival takes over Cluj-Napoca every end of May. And consequently, Let’s Go Digital is an interesting workshop for young highschool students, who now have two local TV&Film schools (one in Romanian and the other in Hungarian). I asked whether they were hoping to challenge and find new film talents among the youngsters who attend LGD. Iulia Rugina corrects me: “LGD never aimed to discover new talents, but this is something that happens naturally. The LGD participants get to discover a new way of expression, using images, sometimes no words. They get to see the power this medium has. For some of them this is their first step towards a career in cinema. For others, this is just a preview to what cinema really means.

LGD is important not only because it gets one closer to filmmaking, but it also opens one’s eyes and changes their view on things”. LGD senior participant, Diana Jaleru, strengthens her view: LGD isn’t aimed at discovering talents, it doesn’t have anything in common with the preparation for film school admission exams. Unfortunately, in Romania cinema seems to be dying, and so TIFF, LGD and film festivals in general are vital in educating young people and future audience. Gossip around the block has it that the teens work hard during the day, and party harder during the night, taking the advantage of the curiosity and the spotlight the event offers. People go to their closing projection with the curiosity (and maybe hope) of recognizing an even newer Romanian wave. The teens seem to enjoy it tremendously. I can’t blame them. Wish I had an LGD to escape to when I was 15.

Photo credits: Ana Mares & Adi Marineci