Poppy Field
Planning to spend a romantic weekend with his long-distance boyfriend, Christi's tender reunion is cut short when he is called in to handle a crisis at work. Christi is a member of the Bucharest police force, and his unit is sent to quell a protest at a local movie theater, where a far-right group has interrupted the screening of a queer film. As tensions between the homophobic protesters and the audience mount, Christi, closeted to his fellow officers, begins to spiral out of control when he spots a former fling in the crowd. A violent outburst threatens to expose Christi’s secret and forces him to confront the contradictions between his personal and professional life. Inspired by true events, POPPY FIELD “reveals aspects of the wider damage done by prejudice that are rarely seen onscreen” (Eye for Film) and is a “worthy entry into the Romanian New Wave” (Art House Street).
- "This adept first feature quickly gathers momentum, delivering a knotty portrait of a man who, like the culture in which he lives, is still wrestling with the very idea of homosexuality."
- "Poppy Field is spot on, and it reveals aspects of the wider damage done by prejudice that are rarely seen onscreen."
- "Poppy Field is a very Romanian and powerful portrait of a gay man tormented and embarrassed by his own sexuality. With its minimalist approach and painstaking attention to detail, director Eugen Jebeleanu manages to create a claustrophobic and chaotic atmosphere... and makes Poppy Field a worthy entry into the Romanian New Wave. "
- "This is an exciting, morally grey film tackling a complex topic within a country that is still in the process of fully recognising LGBT rights. Stressing realism over didacticism while realising the full humanity of nearly all its players, it’s more proof of the rich and exciting potential of contemporary Romanian film to make fascinating art out of simple premises."
- "Anyone who believes "don’t ask, don’t tell" isn't a harmful way to live would do well to watch Jebeleanu's film and see how such a mentality really affects those forced to live under such stifling conditions."
- "Gay-themed Romanian drama Poppy Field, directed by Eugen Jebeleanu and Ioana Moraru, draws inspiration from the numerous real life protests that have faced queer cinema screenings in Eastern Europe. Injecting a conflicted human narrative into the heart of this ensures that Poppy Field is a compelling watch in its examination of the homophobia that plagues many former Soviet republics. There is a compelling character drama at the heart of Poppy Field showcased through a sublime leading turn from Conrad Mericoffer, a sensitive screenplay from Iona Moraru and Eugen Jebeleanu’s beautifully natural direction."
Gallery
Awards & Recognition
Best Actor
Torino Film Festival
Best Actor
Gijón Int'l. Film Festival
Best Film
Gijón Int'l. Film Festival
Best First Feature
Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival
First Feature Award
Miami Film Festival
Best Feature Film
Torino Film Festival
Glasgow Film Festival
London LGBTQ+ Film Festival
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