Andy Fazekas, a young student from Sibiu in Romania, could probably never imagine that a present he got from his German relatives in 1984 would have such a big impact on the youth in Communist Romania.
A short time later he was appointed by the former General Secretary of Romania, Nicolae Ceauşescu, to introduce snowboarding during a big winter event to the whole nation. As the years passed, a passionate scene developed in the Transylvanian mountain region in Romania. They dedicated themselves wholly to developing this new sport in their own way in the whole country. They used self-made snowboards, as most people couldn't afford to buy one, dealt with unsupportive resorts, a lack of snowparks and the general unacceptance towards the sport, the daily routine in their scene. But no one ever got discouraged and did everything they could to reach and live their dream of snowboarding.
The documentary "From ROMANIA with LOVE" tells the story of a road trip through the Romanian freestyle snowboard scene. With professional snowboarders from countries like Slovakia, France, Poland and Hungary along for the ride, the crew met up with locals and professional riders from Romania to discover the Carpathian mountain region. Interesting interviews covering the development of sport and scene but also the problems young Romanian riders have to deal with are complemented with the most progressive eastern European freestyle snowboarding. The project connects young people from 6 different countries by one passion.
After projects in Poland (2007) and Slovakia (2008) "From ROMANIA with LOVE" is the third episode out of the eastern European snowboard documentaries produced by BLICKINSFREIE. Producer René Eckert, who grew up in a former Communist country himself, also shares his passion of snowboarding with these movies. His aim is to bring young snowboard professionals from eastern Europe together for projects like these, which enables them to get noticed in the media outside theire countries and by potential international sponsors. René is trying to help them make their dream of becoming a professional snowboarder a reality.
The official movie teaser is now available on www.blickinsfreie.de and method.tv and soon on all international snowboard websites . In October/November 2009 the movie will be premiered on a big tour throughout Europe. After the premiere tour the documentary will be available for free everywhere via streaming, and later distributed by Rebel Media through international satellite and cable TV.
