'Fjord,' the latest feature film directed by Cristian Mungiu, was selected for the official competition of the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, where it will compete for the Palme d'Or, the most prestigious award granted to auteur cinema.

'‘Fjord' is, more than ever in my career, the result of a collective effort, of an extensive co-production and an international cast who worked together in the most supportive way possible. It was a joy to work with a remarkable group of actors, with Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve, and I thank them all for the effort of following me, with such generosity, in my way of making films. The most wonderful gift we could receive for our efforts is this selection at Cannes, the place where cinema is respected, appreciated and awaited like nowhere else in the world,' Cristian Mungiu said, according to a Mobra Films press release sent to AGERPRES on Thursday.

'Fjord' is the first English-language film directed by Cristian Mungiu and also the first 'Romanian' film to feature Romanian-born American actor Sebastian Stan.

The film was largely shot in Norway in the spring of 2025 and brings together actors speaking English, Norwegian, Swedish and Romanian.

The film tells the story of Lisbet and Mihai Gheorghiu, a married couple who move to a village in a small Norwegian fjord, where they befriend their neighbours, the Halberg family. The children of the two families grow close despite differences in upbringing and values, according to the film's synopsis.

Sebastian Stan plays a father whose beliefs about education, personal life and family are put to the test.

'I am delighted to return to Cannes with this important and universal story about family and the way it can be tested when values and worldviews differ. Working together with a renowned filmmaker such as Cristian Mungiu on a Romanian story, in a Romanian co-production and alongside a team including many Romanians has been a great joy for me and the fulfilment of a wish I have had for many years. I look forward to sharing this film with the discerning audiences at Cannes, as well as with viewers around the world,' Sebastian Stan said.

The cast includes, alongside Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve, Lisa Loven, Lisa Carlehed, Adrian Titieni, Ana Bodea, Alin Panc, Giulia Nahmany, Vanessa Ceban and Jonathan Breazu. Renate Reinsve plays a mother caught between two cultures, concerned about the wellbeing of her children.

Filming for ‘Fjord' was one of the most wonderful experiences I have had in my life. I learned so much from Cristian and from his approach to both the characters and the sequences as a whole, and the locations where we filmed were extraordinary. I am very happy to return to Cannes and proud to be part of this project, Renate Reinsve said.

'Fjord' is Cristian Mungiu's fifth consecutive film selected for the Cannes competition, following 'RMN' (2022), 'Bacalaureat' (Graduation) (Best Director award, 2016), 'Dupa dealuri' (Beyond the Hills) (Best Screenplay and Best Actress awards, 2012) and '4 luni, 3 saptamani si 2 zile' (4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days) (Palme d'Or, 2007). In 2013, the director was a member of the festival jury.

Regarded as the most important film event in the world, the Cannes Film Festival will take place this year between 12 and 23 May. A total of 22 films were selected for the official competition from more than 2,900 entries.

'Fjord' is a Romania, France, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland co-production. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Petronius Craiu; EN - writing by: Adina Panaitescu)