Milk Teeth: Mihai Mincan at Madrid ECAM Forum
Milk Teeth,” Romanian director mihai Mincan’s gripping new film, is poised to captivate audiences with its exploration of the nation’s tumultuous shift away from communism. Presented at the Madrid ECAM Forum, the project offers a unique perspective through the eyes of a child in 1989 Romania, blending social realism with fantasy. experience a narrative echoing the confusion and disillusionment of the era, brought to life by an award-winning sound and cinematography team. “milk Teeth” is a powerful allegory, drawing on personal experiences and inspired by real events. News often highlights this film’s remarkable €2.3 million backing and international collaborations. Delve into the mysteries surrounding the disappearance of a young girl’s sister and how it shaped her life and the lives around her. Discover what’s next for this compelling cinematic vision, which aims to be an ”anti-nostalgia film.
“Milk Teeth” Explores Romanian Post-Communism Through Child’s Eyes
Updated June 02, 2025
Director Mihai Mincan’s upcoming film, “Milk Teeth,” delves into Romania’s turbulent transition from communism, using a child’s perspective to explore themes of mystery and fantasy. The film, presented at the ecam Forum’s co-production market in Madrid, reunites Mincan with key members of his previous project, “To the north,” including sound designer nicolas Becker and cinematographer George Chiper-Lillemark.
Inspired by true events, the story centers on Maria, a 10-year-old girl who witnesses her sister’s disappearance in the final days of Nicolae Ceausescu’s regime. Mincan draws on his own experiences growing up in Romania during that era, reflecting on the disillusionment that followed the initial hopes of the 1989 revolution. The film aims to capture the sense of confusion and lack of agency felt by many Romanians at the time.
Iona Lascār of deFilm, one of the film’s producers, describes “Milk Teeth” as a powerful allegory of Romania’s shift from communism to a new society.She notes that the film uses visual symbolism to portray the uncertainty and fear prevalent during that period. The film’s production involves a collaboration of companies from romania, France, Greece, Bulgaria, and Denmark.
“‘Milk Teeth’ is a powerful allegory of Romania’s transition between the communist era and the promise of a new society after the fall of communism in 1989,” said Iona lascār of deFilm.
Mincan intends to blend social realism, reminiscent of Ken Loach and Lynne Ramsay, with elements of fantasy, drawing inspiration from Carlos Saura’s “Cria Cuervos.” He aims to create an “anti-nostalgia film” that captures the confusion and disorientation of childhood in a collapsing world. The film’s visual style will feature handheld camera work and a sound design that balances external sounds with moments of silence, reflecting the quiet atmosphere of Romania in 1989.
Emma Mogos, a newcomer, stars as Maria, alongside Marina Palii and Igor Babiac as her parents. The €2.3 million project has received backing from several national film centers and media organizations.
What’s next
Lascār expressed excitement about presenting “Milk Teeth” at the ECAM Forum and engaging with local producers to explore potential collaborations. deFilm is also involved in sales and distribution for “I Only Rest in the Storm,” which is set to premiere later this year.