For the past 30 years, Sibiu has held a special place in the hearts of documentary filmmakers and enthusiasts alike. The city has been a breeding ground for the growth of documentary cinema, fostering an enduring tradition that thrives to this day. The Astra Film Festival has played a pivotal role in this journey, and its 30th-anniversary edition (15-22 October 2023) stands as a testament to the festival's unwavering commitment to promoting non-fiction storytelling.

The Astra Film Festival has always been a platform that champions the idea that every moment in life deserves to be experienced with emotion and an open mind. This philosophy echoes through the heart of the festival and resonates with its audience. This year, an impressive three-quarters of the films selected for the competition will be having their world or national premieres, ensuring that attendees will be treated to fresh and captivating narratives that are yet to be seen by audiences anywhere else.

The official selection for 2023 includes a diverse array of documentaries spread across four competitive sections: Romania, Emerging Voices of Documentary, Central and Eastern Europe, and DocSchool. A total of 43 films have been meticulously chosen for these sections, with a significant proportion being premieres of various kinds.

The Romania section, an integral part of the festival's legacy, highlights the latest and most noteworthy documentary films produced by Romanian directors between 2022 and 2023. Out of the 11 films selected, six will be premieres, with four being world and two being national premieres.

Emerging Voices of Documentary is a platform dedicated to nurturing emerging filmmakers as they embark on their journey from debut to recognition. Nine recent movies, five of which will premiere nationally in Sibiu, promise to showcase the fresh voices and innovative storytelling approaches of these rising talents.

Central and Eastern Europe brings true stories from Southeastern Europe to the forefront. Among the ten films selected, seven will have their Romanian premiere during the festival, providing a unique opportunity for audiences to engage with narratives from this dynamic region.

Finally, DocSchool, a category celebrating student documentary filmmaking, continues to shine with a competition line-up consisting of 14 films, 13 of which are premieres, including six world, three international and four national ones. This section demonstrates the vibrancy and creativity of young filmmakers who are pushing the boundaries of storytelling.

The Astra Film Festival enjoys the high patronage of the president of Romania, and is organised by Astra Film, CNM Astra and the Astra Film Foundation. The country’s Ministry of Culture is a strategic partner, and support is also provided by Sibiu County Council, the National Centre for Cinematography, the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Sibiu, and the Filmmakers' Union. The event receives co-financing from Sibiu Local Council through the Municipality of Sibiu and from the European Union via the Creative Europe – MEDIA programme.

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