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Ioana Moldovan

București, Romania
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About Ioana
Ioana Moldovan is a freelance journalist and documentary photographer based in Bucharest, Romania. She is using text, photography and videography to tell under-told stories, to constantly raise awareness on social and human rights issues that no one is entitled to forget, to correctly inform people and in the end, try to generate positive change. In the past few years, Moldovan started to document protest movements, conflict zones and the human consequences of war.
Moldovan’s projects in her home country documented life in former communist workers’ colonies, Roma discrimination, aging in Romania and gender equality among others. She has also covered international issues like the refugee crisis in Europe, the situation in Ukraine – the Euromaidan revolution, the war in the Eastern part of the country and the displacement phenomenon, life under occupation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Ethiopia – 30 years after the great famine, the consequences of the Syrian war in Za’atari refugee camp and the protests in Gezi Park, Turkey.
Moldovan has been collaborating with Al Jazeera English, Huffington Post, Radio France Internationale, Vice, Profil Austria and Art of Living Magazine among others. She has also worked on multimedia projects funded by the European Commission and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Foundation.
Personal website: http://ioanamoldovan.com/
Languages
English Spanish French
+2
Services
Feature Stories Content Writing Interview (Print / Radio / Podcast)
+2
Skills
Politics Current Affairs Fact Checking
Portfolio

Romanian Film Review - Este Film Festival: Crises & Catharsis

04 Apr 2024  |  romania-insider.com
The Este Film Festival in Sibiu showcased arthouse films, focusing on European productions and Romanian cinema. The short film competition was won by Theodor Ioniță's 'Eu și sora mea'. Notable features included 'Boss' by Bogdan Mirică, 'Tiger/Tigru' by Andrei Tănase, and 'Spre nord/To the North' by Mihai Mincan. Alice Diop's 'Saint Omer' and Dominik Moll's 'The Night of the Twelfth' were also highlighted for their excellence. The festival was praised for its ambitious program and the selection team's choice of impactful films.

Romanian film review – Sundays on Leave & more to watch

04 Apr 2024  |  romania-insider.com
Romania Insider columnist Ioana Moldovan previews films to watch ahead of the Transilvania International Film Festival, highlighting Bogdan Mirică's thriller 'Boss' and Nae Caranfil's restored 'È pericoloso sporgersi'. Caranfil's early comedies, including 'Asphalt Tango' and 'Filantropica', are praised for their balance and tone. 'Sundays on Leave' is particularly noted for its portrayal of the late 1980s in Romania and its nostalgic charm. Open-air movie events in Bucharest are also mentioned, with a focus on Romanian cinema.

Romanian film review – Romance, laughter, adventure, and survival: French & Italian cinema on tour

22 Mar 2024  |  www.romania-insider.com
The Festival of French Film and Visuali Italiane are showcasing recent French and Italian cinema across Romania. The French festival, in its 28th edition, explores themes of environmental, political, and social issues, while also addressing gender equality and violence. Comedies by Quentin Dupieux and Monia Chokri are highlighted, alongside Nicolas Philibert's documentary 'On the Adamant'. The Italian film event, in its third edition, features Alice Rohrwacher's 'La chimera' and Matteo Garrone's 'Io Capitano', both commended for their humanist storytelling. The films are available on platforms like MUBI and Netflix.

Romanian film review – Man and Dog & Bucharest International Experimental Film Festival

30 Sep 2022  |  www.romania-insider.com
Ștefan Constantinescu's film 'Man and Dog' premiered in Romania, featuring Bogdan Dumitrache as a tormented doctor returning to Constanța from Sweden during the first Corona crisis. The film is praised for its portrayal of emigrant struggles and flawed humanity. The Bucharest International Experimental Film Festival (BIEFF) also took place, with a theme of 'Handle with Care' and a selection of international short films, including Alina Manolache's '3 Dialogues About the Future'. A retrospective of Romanian experimental cinema titled 'Speculative Ecologies' featured Copel Moscu's 'There Comes a Day'.

Romanian film review – The Best of 2021

30 Dec 2021  |  romania-insider.com
The year 2021 saw a revival of live festivals and open theatres with reduced capacity, contrasting the previous year's cancellations and closures. Memorable films included Alina Manolache's documentary 'Lost Kids on the Beach' and highlights from the One World Romania documentary festival. The Transilvania International Film Festival featured a record number of Romanian productions, with Eugen Jebeleanu's 'Poppy Field' standing out. Other notable films were Radu Muntean's 'Întregalde' and Andrei Huțuleac’s '#dogpoopgirl'. Independent premieres and online discoveries like Alexandru Belc’s 'Cinema, Mon Amour' also made an impact. The year was summarized as nerve-wracking but fruitful for Romanian cinema.

Romanian film review – Spiral

30 Nov 2021  |  www.romania-insider.com
Cecília Felméri, a Hungarian-Romanian director, has launched her feature debut 'Spiral' in local cinemas, starring Romanian actor Bogdan Dumitrache. The film, a co-production with Hungary, is a genre-mixing drama set on a remote lake shore, exploring themes of life, trauma, and nature. Despite its oppressive atmosphere and emotional distance, 'Spiral' is highlighted as ambitious and intelligent filmmaking, noteworthy for Felméri's rare position as a female director in Romania working with genre films.

Romanian film review: One World Romania 2021

19 Jun 2021  |  romania-insider.com
One World Romania, a significant documentary film festival focused on human rights, held its 14th edition in Bucharest and online, featuring a diverse international program with a focus on feminism. The festival's winners were all directed by women, with Carolina Moscoso Briceño's 'Night Shot' winning the big trophy. The Romanian films included Radu Jude’s 'Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn' and Raluca Durbacă’s 'The Certainty of Probabilities'. The festival also highlighted archival material and had special programs dedicated to notable filmmakers. The review recommends the selection for its urgency, insight, and emotional impact, emphasizing the power of documentaries.

Romanian film review – Terrific documentaries to watch online

30 Apr 2020  |  romania-insider.com
Ioana Moldovan recommends several Romanian documentaries available online, highlighting HBO GO's updated library featuring Alexander Nanau's 'Colectiv/Collective' and 'Toto și surorile lui/Toto and his sisters', among others. Alexandru Solomon's 'Apocalipsa după șoferi/Apocalypse on Wheels', Alexandru Baciu and Radu Muntean's 'Vorbitor/Visiting Room', and Matei-Alexandru Mocanu's 'The Shukar Collective Project' are also praised. Additionally, the Astra Film Festival offers free screenings of ethnological and anthropological documentaries.

Where the Romanian state struggled, Romanian people stepped up

15 Apr 2020  |  www.aljazeera.com
Romania's healthcare system, burdened by corruption, staff emigration, and low EU healthcare expenditure, faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite official claims of adequate protection for medical personnel, reports emerged of shortages in protective gear. The state secretary of the Romanian Ministry of Health, Horatiu Moldovan, asserted that equipment distribution was prioritized for high-risk areas and that shortages were covered. However, over 12% of Romania's COVID-19 cases were among medical staff, with claims of mask reuse due to insufficient supplies. In response to the system's shortcomings, individuals and businesses began producing necessary equipment, such as protective visors and masks, and even a disinfection robot prototype. This grassroots effort highlighted the adaptability and innovation of the Romanian people in the face of a national crisis.

A journey through Romania in the time of coronavirus

06 Apr 2020  |  www.aljazeera.com
The article recounts a personal journey across Romania to document the impact of the coronavirus on daily life. The author travels in a motorhome provided by Joy2Wander, observing deserted cities, markets where people take precautions, and the effects on small businesses and workers. The trip highlights the Romanian authorities' measures, such as movement restrictions and the complete lockdown of Suceava. The narrative conveys a sense of isolation and the changing reality as the number of confirmed cases and deaths rise.

One day of respite for refugees on the Turkey-Greece border

16 Mar 2020  |  aljazeera.com
Refugees on the Turkey-Greece border, including Sina Kalan and his group, experienced a brief respite from their difficult conditions in a camp by staying in a local hotel for a day. They are among thousands who have been trying to reach Greece after Turkey's President Erdogan announced the opening of its borders, following a failed deal with the EU and the influx of refugees from Syria's Idlib. The group, originally from Iran, has faced hardships due to their conversion to Christianity and seek a better life in Europe. Amidst their temporary comfort, concerns about the coronavirus and the uncertainty of the border opening loom over them.

Ukraine: A moment of peace on the front line

17 Dec 2019  |  www.aljazeera.com
In August 2015, the author documented the lives of Ukrainian soldiers at Zenit, a front-line defense position near Donetsk airport, amidst the war with pro-Russian separatists. The soldiers, including Konstantin Bernatovich, a former TV cameraman, and Alexandr, endured sniper fire, mortar attacks, and the constant threat of injury. Despite the harsh conditions, moments of levity and camaraderie persisted. The author later reconnected with Bernatovich in Kyiv, reflecting on the resilience and humanity of those who serve in conflict zones.

Romanian film review – Bucharest International Dance FF, TIFF Oradea & TIFF Unlimited

05 Sep 2019  |  www.romania-insider.com
The season of Romanian film premieres begins with eagerly anticipated releases like Corneliu Porumboiu's 'La Gomera/The Whistlers'. The Bucharest International Film Festival offers a diverse selection of films, masterclasses, and performances. TIFF, promoting Romanian and international cinema, tours cities like Oradea with strong titles and classic films. TIFF Unlimited, a video-on-demand channel, provides an alternative to mainstream platforms with a growing selection of arthouse films.

Romanian film review - A Home of One's Own: Saf

11 Jul 2019  |  www.romania-insider.com
Saf, a Turkish drama co-produced with Germany and Romania's 4 Proof Film, is a topical and moving film set in Istanbul's Fikirtepe neighbourhood. It explores the struggles of a young couple facing eviction and low wages amidst gentrification, modern slavery, immigration, racism, and poverty. The film, praised for its empathy and avoidance of oversimplified explanations, features a Romanian actress, Mihaela Trofimov, and cinematography by Tudor Vladimir Panduru. Director Ali Vatansever is commended for his portrayal of underrepresented stories with wisdom and warmth. Saf is currently screening in theaters across Romania.

Romanian film review – Happening Now: Parking, TIFF Sibiu, European Film Festival

24 Jun 2019  |  romania-insider.com
June continues the trend of film-filled months with Tudor Giurgiu's feature 'Parking' being shown across Romania after premiering at TIFF. Based on Marin Mălaicu-Hondrari's novel and set in Spain, it tells the story of a Romanian writer's love affair. The European Film Festival concludes its tour in Sibiu, showcasing notable European films including 'Happy as Lazzaro' and 'Woman at War.' Classics like 'My Left Foot' are also featured. TIFF Sibiu will run concurrently, with 'Parking' as the opener. The events are organized by the Romanian Cultural Institute and EUNIC.

Romanian film review – A Man’s Life: Yet to Rule & Love 1. Dog

27 Dec 2018  |  romania-insider.com
Romanian films 'Yet to Rule' and 'Love 1. Dog' feature male protagonists in extreme circumstances, with the former being a visually engaging debut by Mihaela Popescu and the latter a concept film by Florin Șerban. 'Yet to Rule' is praised for its fluid photography and memorable scenes, while 'Love 1. Dog' is noted for its visual beauty and tension despite a lack of character backstory. Both films are seen as bold contributions to Romanian cinema.

Poisoned Jasmine

17 Dec 2016  |  Al Jazeera
Following the Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia, many young Tunisians, disillusioned by the lack of change, turned to extremism. An estimated 6,000 fighters traveled to Syria from Tunisia by October 2015. The article shares personal stories of Tunisians affected by this trend, including Mehdi, a former fighter who returned to start a workshop; Naziha Bel Jayyed, a mother grieving her son who joined ISIL; Mohamed Zorgui, a rapper from Kasserine criticizing ISIL and the state; and Ahmed Sassi, an unemployed graduate concerned about future radicalization. The article highlights the socioeconomic struggles in Tunisia, such as high unemployment, which contribute to the radicalization of youth, and the fear of returning to police abuses reminiscent of the Ben Ali era.

Romania elections broken promises

01 Dec 2016  |  www.aljazeera.com
Romanians are preparing to elect a new parliament on December 11, with the hope of addressing the persistent poverty and underdevelopment, especially in rural areas. Despite being 27 years post-revolution, Romania remains the second poorest EU country, with high infant mortality rates, poor healthcare access, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of job opportunities in rural regions. The poverty rate has not significantly improved since 2008, and voters are skeptical about the election candidates, fearing a repeat of unfulfilled promises.

The ‘Cinemobile’ bringing movies to Romanian villages

19 Jun 2016  |  www.aljazeera.com
Tudor Baciu, inspired by the lack of cinema access in Romanian villages and the success of filmmakers like Cristian Mungiu and Cristi Puiu, created the 'Cinemobile' to bring free movies to rural areas. Using a reconditioned 1980s Volkswagen T3 van, Baciu has traveled to over 25 villages, starting with Cojocna, 25km from his hometown Cluj-Napoca. The initiative reflects his childhood appreciation for the countryside and aims to improve villagers' lives.

Ukraine: World’s unseen refugee crisis

12 Apr 2016  |  Al Jazeera
The article discusses the plight of Ukrainian refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) due to the ongoing conflict in the country. As of June 2015, Ukraine had over 1.35 million IDPs, ranking ninth worldwide, and more than 900,000 refugees in neighboring countries. The conflict has led to shortages in food, health services, shelter, and medicines. The process to receive IDP status is complex, with many facing challenges such as displacement within the same administrative area or fleeing from areas not recognized by the government as under rebel control. The article includes personal accounts from individuals affected by the conflict, expressing their desire for peace and the difficulties of starting anew or returning home. It also touches on the bureaucratic hurdles faced by displaced persons in obtaining aid and legal recognition.

Refugees’ passage to Europe - photo story on the refugee crisis More photo stories on my website http://ioanamoldovan.com/

Holding the line in eastern Ukraine

12 Apr 2016  |  Al Jazeera
The article reports on the situation at Zenit, a military defence position in eastern Ukraine, which is not a town but a strategic point near the Donetsk airport. The conflict in the region has resulted in nearly 8,000 deaths since April 2014, including Ukrainian forces, civilians, and opposition group members, with over 17,811 injured and more than 1.3 million displaced. Despite two ceasefire agreements signed in Minsk, violence has continued with no significant reduction in hostilities. Zenit is described as resembling a post-apocalyptic film set, with damaged buildings and landscapes marked by warfare. A recent attempt at a ceasefire on September 1 led to a night of relative quiet, with only sporadic gunfire reported, which the soldiers referred to as 'provocation'.

The unsung heroes of the refugee crisis

12 Apr 2016  |  Al Jazeera
The article discusses the situation of refugees in Europe, focusing on a transit camp in Gevgelija, Macedonia, at the border with Greece. It highlights the increase in the number of refugees arriving daily, from 1,200-1,500 in July to around 7,000, as reported by UNHCR field officer Lorenzo Leonelli. The refugees, who arrive in groups, are registered by the Macedonian border police and receive medical care, food, clothing, and blankets. The article also touches on concerns expressed by UNICEF representative Dr. Bertrand Desmoulins about the potential for refugees to be stranded in Macedonia if northern borders close. Both UNHCR and UNICEF representatives emphasize the need for regional cooperation and EU support to address the crisis.

The story of one Ukrainian teenager’s escape from war

12 Apr 2016  |  Al Jazeera
The article recounts the harrowing story of Dmitry, a teenager from Horlivka, Ukraine, who was forced to flee his home due to the war in Donbass. After the Euromaidan revolution, the economic situation worsened, and the conflict escalated when separatists took over his town. Dmitry's mother disappeared while looking for food, leaving him alone. He survived for over a year in a basement, subsisting on boiled wheat and occasional help from neighbors. When threatened by separatists, he escaped, enduring a perilous journey through checkpoints and fields of corpses. Dmitry managed to reach Romania after hitching rides and hiding in a truck. He now seeks asylum and hopes to start a new life in Romania, but the trauma of his experiences and the loss of his mother haunt him.

On the front line of Ukraine’s battle against PTSD

12 Apr 2016  |  Al Jazeera
The article discusses the struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Ukrainian soldiers and the various efforts to provide psychological support and rehabilitation. It highlights personal stories of soldiers like Grom, a military psychologist and sapper, who has firsthand experience with the psychological toll of war. The article also covers the work of organizations like Wounded Warrior Ukraine, which trains servicemen to become Combat Shock Trainers, and the establishment of Ukraine's first complex for the physical and psychological rehabilitation of war veterans by Colonel Dr. Vsevolod Stebliuk. The challenges faced by psychologists, volunteers, and priests in addressing PTSD and the stigma associated with mental health in Ukraine are also explored. The article provides insights into the different symptoms experienced by various types of soldiers and the importance of community and religious support in the healing process.

Ukraine: Traumatised by war and PTSD

12 Apr 2016  |  www.aljazeera.com
The article explores the psychological impact of the war in Ukraine on soldiers, detailing personal stories of PTSD and the challenges of seeking psychological help. It highlights the reluctance of soldiers to see psychologists due to stigma and disbelief in the effectiveness of therapy. Initiatives like Wounded Warrior Ukraine's seminars aim to train servicemen as Combat Shock Trainers to support their peers. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence acknowledges the need for psychological support, with thousands needing help but few qualified to provide it. Volunteer groups and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church play crucial roles in supporting soldiers, with the church offering a stigma-free environment for seeking help. The article underscores the long-term psychological consequences of war on soldiers and the importance of comprehensive support systems.

What It's Like to Spend New Year's as a Refugee in a Greek Anarchist Shelter

08 Jan 2016  |  HuffPost
The article details the plight of refugees, particularly from Iran and Afghanistan, who are stuck in Greece due to closed Balkan borders. It focuses on the story of Mehdi, an Iranian who faces jail back home and is separated from his family now in Germany. The piece describes the Notara solidarity center in Athens, a squatted building by anarchists providing refuge to around 110-130 people. It also touches on the efforts of volunteers and activists, like Nina from EL CHEf, who cook for refugees, and Nasim from Diktyo, who provides support to immigrants and refugees. The article paints a picture of the community and solidarity in Exarchia, a neighborhood known for its anarchist and leftist residents, and the challenges faced by refugees as they navigate their uncertain futures.

The refugees’ passage to Europe

27 Sep 2015  |  www.aljazeera.com
Over 50,000 refugees have entered Croatia in just over a week, primarily from Serbia, aiming to reach other EU countries like Germany. The Opatovac camp, established to hold 4,000 people, is seen by refugees as a prison rather than a refuge. With dropping temperatures and the high influx of refugees, concerns are rising about Croatia's ability to cope and the potential for blockages to Slovenia and Hungary. Evidence of the refugees' journey is visible along the dirt road between Sid and Tovarnik, with personal belongings scattered around. While some refugees have decided to request asylum in Croatia due to fatigue, the majority continue to chant 'We want [to] go!' as they seek to rebuild their lives in preferred destinations.

Refugees at Croatia – Serbia border

21 Sep 2015  |  www.aljazeera.com
Over 2,000 refugees crossed from Serbia into Tovarnik, Croatia, prompting Croatian authorities to establish a camp with a capacity of 5,000 people. German Chancellor Angela Merkel requested that Croatian authorities keep the refugees at the camp, but local officials cited insufficient resources. Refugees are leaving daily by train towards the Hungarian border, having traveled from Turkey to Greece and through Macedonia and Serbia.

Ukraine's Volatile East

02 Sep 2015  |  HuffPost
The article provides an in-depth look at the daily lives of Ukrainian soldiers stationed at Zenit, a frontline position near the Donetsk airport. The soldiers, who come from various backgrounds and armed forces, are tasked with holding their ground amidst constant shelling and attacks. The journalist, embedded with the unit, describes the harsh living conditions, the soldiers' reliance on volunteer aid for equipment and supplies, and their camaraderie and humor in the face of adversity. The soldiers view the conflict not as a civil war but as an invasion by Russian forces. Despite a ceasefire agreement, violations continue, with the latest attack reported by a soldier named Grom. The article conveys the grim reality of war and the soldiers' determination to defend their country.

When Ukraine Is No Longer Ukraine

30 Jul 2015  |  HuffPost
The article details the plight of Ukrainian refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) due to the conflict in the eastern part of the country. It highlights the challenges faced by the people of Semenivka and other towns in Donetsk Oblast, where heavy fighting has caused significant destruction and displacement. The piece covers the difficulties in obtaining IDP status and the associated benefits, the shortage of food, health services, and shelter, and the high number of IDPs and refugees. Personal stories from individuals like Natalya Beskorovana and Oksana Korchma illustrate the human cost of the conflict. The article also touches on the ideological divides within communities and the challenges of integrating IDPs into new areas, as well as the psychological impact of the war on both children and adults. The story of Svyatohirsk, a town with more IDPs than locals, is used to show the broader effects of the conflict on Ukrainian society.

Ukraine: World’s unseen refugee crisis

24 Jul 2015  |  www.aljazeera.com
Ukraine is experiencing a significant refugee crisis with over 1.35 million internally displaced people and more than 900,000 refugees in neighboring countries. The conflict has created a dire need for humanitarian aid, with shortages in food, health services, shelter, and medicines. The process to receive IDP status is complex, with many facing challenges such as displacement within the same administrative area or fleeing from areas not recognized by the government as under rebel control. Despite the hardships, many Ukrainians wish to remain part of Ukraine and hope for peace, while others are in a state of limbo, unsure whether to start anew or wait to return home.

In Pictures: No place for the Roma

19 Feb 2014  |  www.aljazeera.com
In September 2013, 78 Roma were evicted from their illegally built homes in Eforie Sud, Romania, by local authorities, leaving them without proper accommodation. Despite public pressure and promises from the mayor, Ion Ovidiu Brailoiu, the Roma continue to live in dire conditions five months later. This incident reflects broader issues faced by the Roma community in Romania, including discrimination, lack of access to services, and high unemployment.
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