Our Story
Mandragora is one of the most dynamic production companies in Romania. Founded in 2004, it shortly became a success project generator, starting with its first production, THE DEATH OF MR. LĂZĂRESCU, considered the first major film in the so-called Romanian New Wave and the spark that ignited a national film renaissance that continues to this day.
The company has developed several feature films: THE DEATH OF MR. LĂZĂRESCU (2005) by Cristi Puiu – Un Certain Regard, Cannes 2005; MEGATRON (2008) by Marian Crisan – Palme d’Or for Short Film, AURORA by Cristi Puiu – Cannes 2010, MORGEN by Marian Crisan, – Jury Prize Locarno 2010, ROCKER by Marian Crisan - San Sebastian 2012.
Short films such as MEGATRON (2008), by Marian Crisan – Palme d’Or for Short Film, THURSDAY (2007), by Hadrian Marcu and “BRICOSTORY (2006), by Andreea Paduraru, have been well-received by the audience and festivals.
The 14 episode LOMBARZILOR 8 by Mimi Branescu and Dan Chiriac, inaugurated in 2006 the company’s TV series production line and new company Mandragora Movies.
The first documentary, TUB – TransUrbanBucuresti by Cristi Puiu, 2008, was followed by METROBRANDING by Ana Vlad and Adi Voicu, released this year. The same team of directors also sign the latest Mandragora production, VICTORIA.
Mandragora is committed to the idea of making movies that explore new ways in the cinema discourse. It also launches new talents, encouraging personal, coherent approaches of the young filmmakers.
The value of the movies produced by Mandragora is confirmed by the audience’s interest, critics’ attention and prizes: THE DEATH OF MR. LĂZĂRESCU won Un Certain Regard and over 40 national and international other prizes, being one of the most-awarded movie in the Romanian cinema, MEGATRON won several awards, starting with Palme d’Or for Short Film, FRANCESCA after its presents at Orizzonti, Venice 2009, was recognized with the FIPRESCI award (Gijon) and Bursa prize, AURORA by Cristi Puiu was selected for Cannes 2010 and most recently MORGEN by Marian Crisan won 4 prizez at Locarno Film Festival in 2010.
Director Cristi Puiu is often invited to be part of various festival juries, the most notable being Un Certain Regard in 2007 and this year he was the Director of the jury in Sarajevo International Film Festival.
