IN MY COUNTRY
A journey into the Balkan landscape of Romania.
-
Sasha StefanovDirector
-
Sasha StefanovProducer
-
Sasha StefanovCamera
-
Sasha StefanovDirector of Photography
-
Sasha StefanovEditor
-
Sasha StefanovSound Design
-
Project Type:Documentary, Experimental, Short, Other
-
Genres:Travel, non narrative
-
Runtime:15 minutes 50 seconds
-
Completion Date:September 18, 2019
-
Production Budget:2,000 USD
-
Country of Origin:Romania
-
Country of Filming:Romania
-
Language:English
-
Shooting Format:Canon, Fujifilm, Digital
-
Aspect Ratio:16:9
-
Film Color:Color
-
First-time Filmmaker:Yes
-
Student Project:No
I was born in Eastern Europe, Romania during the end of Communism and moved to Canada in the mid 90s. I always liked to entertain my friends, family and audience. Film was a career I could do that in. I found that calling working at a Blockbuster Video in my senior year of high school, watching films by David Fincher and Danny Boyle.
A few years later, I went to Humber College's Film and TV Production program in 2012 and graduated in 2015. While I was there, I found my specialties in videography, photography, graphic design, location sound and sound design.
I'm working on my next travel short, "THIS IS COLOMBIA". I was there last year and it is truly a magical place. This current project combined with the one I'm working on is part of a travel series I'm developing. It's an idea that explores the most human element that makes us human: Curiosity. This simple fundamental essence to our being is why we've achieved so much in our history on this planet. Whether it's discovering a new country or a new technology, we've all started with the curiosity for it.
Additionally I'm writing two new short films with dialogue and actors in mind that I plan to shoot next year, so look out for that!
I shot this project back home in Romania on a bare-bones budget, wearing many hats as I was the only crew on this. This is a personal passion project and part of something bigger. I was lucky because I had my friends planning a road trip to see half the country and in that period, I shot all this footage. This wouldn't be possible without them, so I owe it to them for the ride of my life.
The inspiration for this came from films like Baraka, Samsara and Koyaanisqatsi. I also drew a lot of inspiration from shows like No Reservations and Parts Unknown, by the late and great Anthony Bourdain and also what I like to think of as the gold standard of travel shows, Departures, created by Scott Wilson.
I hope you enjoy this short and visit Romania sometime. It's a beautiful country with fantastic people that has a rich history and culture. Please view in full screen with the sound on (watch on your TV for best screening experience).