This year's Transilvania International Film Festival (TIFF) Oradea programme offers film enthusiasts, between 26-28 September, a selection of Oscar submissions, moving stories and works by renowned filmmakers, in a line-up that explores all kinds of relationships while also raising thought-provoking questions, Visit Oradea announced in a press release on Monday.

'Ralph Fiennes as Ulysses, the extraordinary story of Charles Aznavour, or Bosnia and Herzegovina's submission for the Oscars are just some of the highlights among the international films that TIFF Oradea will bring to the big screen in this edition,' the release reads.

The films featured in TIFF Oradea.8 place special emphasis on human relationships - from family and romantic ties to those between adults and children.

The first film to be screened outdoors, on Friday evening in Piata Unirii (Unirii Square), with free admission, will be 'My Late Summer,' Bosnia and Herzegovina's submission for the Oscars. It tells the story of Maja, who travels to a remote island to settle matters related to an inheritance. Director Danis Tanovic once again delves into family relationships and the secrets that emerge when least expected.

Also centred around complex relationships is the feature film 'Hedgehog Hunting' (directed by Mihály Schwechtje), screening on 26 September at 20:00 at the Oradea State Philharmonic. The film follows the fragile fate of Bogi, a young vocal student torn between her dream of becoming a soprano and her responsibilities as a nanny for a family on the brink of collapse. Inspired by the parable of the hedgehog, it is an emotional drama about guilt, silence and the price of mistakes made under pressure.

In 'Dreams,' Mexican director Michel Franco explores class differences and power dynamics in a gripping story of passion, betrayal and irreversible consequences. Filmgoers will have the chance to see Jessica Chastain in a memorable role, screening on 28 September at 18:00 at the Oradea State Philharmonic.

The film 'Lesson Learned,' the directorial debut of Bálint Szimler, poses an essential question for audiences: How do we nurture curiosity and trust in children in today's world? It is scheduled for screening on 28 September at 13:00 at the Oradea State Philharmonic.

Another must-see at TIFF Oradea is 'Monsieur Aznavour,' one of the most anticipated biographical films of the year, screening on Sunday, 28 September, at 13:00 at the Oradea State Theatre.

'The extraordinary story of Charles Aznavour, from uncertain beginnings to ultimate fame, is brought to the screen by Tahar Rahim in the leading role. The film is a moving tribute to one of the greatest artists of the 20th century, a true cinematic symphony of a life lived through music,' the release adds.

Also on Sunday, at 15:30, the public is invited to the Philharmonic to discover 'The Return,' a moving reinterpretation of the myth of Ulysses, directed by Uberto Pasolini, starring Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche in the lead roles.

Festival organisers have also announced another outdoor film screening in Piata Unirii on Sunday at 20:00 - 'Christy,' the directorial debut of Brendan Canty. The film focuses on a 17-year-old teenager from Cork, raised in an underprivileged environment and lacking family support, but ultimately saved by the solidarity of his community.

The full TIFF Oradea programme is available at https://oradea.tiff.ro. The films and special events will take place in five traditional venues: Piata Unirii Open Air, Oradea State Theatre, Oradea State Philharmonic, Sion Synagogue, and Transilvania Hall. Tickets are already on sale at tiff.eventbook.ro.

The 8th edition of TIFF Oradea is co-organised by the Romanian Film Promotion Association (APFR) and the Oradea City Hall through Visit Oradea - the Association for the Promotion of Tourism in Oradea and the Region. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Eugenia Pasca; EN - writing by: Adina Panaitescu)