Cristian Mungiu on Beyond the Hills

Alina and Voichita grew up in an orphanage together, where a strong bond developed between them. When Alina left Romania to attempt to make a life for herself in Germany, Voichita became a novice nun at an Orthodox church in an isolated mountainous region of the country. Alina needs her friend’s help with documentation, but is also desperate to stay with the only person she has ever loved, expecting Voichita to leave the church and return with her to Germany. Yet Voichita, surrounded by women with unquestioning faith in a community run by a deeply conservative priest, has found such a devout calling that choosing between the love of Alina and the love of God proves to be an agonising experience.

Based on real events, the latest drama from Cristian Mungiu (4 Months, 3 Weeks & 2 Days) is a matchless, intensely affecting love story that cements his reputation as one of world cinema’s modern masters.

Beyond the Hills screened as the Journey Gala of the 56th BFI London Film Festival