19/11/2025 - The first feature by the Romanian filmmaker is a comedy co-produced by Romania and Italy, and set in a small village in the Apuseni Mountains

Intramovies has unveiled the world-exclusive trailer for Catane [+see also:
trailer
film profile], the first feature by Romanian filmmaker Ioana Mischie. The film will debut later this month at the 56th IFFI Goa, in a programme dedicated to international works selected for their artistic ambition and global relevance. The FIAPF-accredited festival, one of Asia’s oldest, marks the film’s first appearance on the international circuit.

Catane is set in a small Romanian village where an unusually high number of residents receive disability benefits. When a team of inspectors arrives to verify the situation, they initially encounter what seems to be an isolated but tight-knit community. A subsequent visit, however, reveals a more complex picture, opening up a narrative that moves between contrasting viewpoints, and questions the blurred line between survival mechanisms and social responsibility.

Shot in the Apuseni Mountains with a mix of professional and non-professional actors, Catane incorporates sustainable production practices developed locally and inspired by Eurimages’ green guidelines.

The film has also attracted early recognition for Emiliano Mazzenga’s original score, nominated at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards in the Independent Foreign Film category.

Produced by Studioset and Storyscapes (Romania) together with Mammut Film (Italy), the project was supported by the Romanian National Film Center, Italy’s Ministry of Culture and Eurimages. Forum Film will release the title in Romanian cinemas on 26 January 2026, with Italian event screenings planned for early 2026. Intramovies handles the international sales.

Check out our exclusive trailer below: