Transylvania

Zingarina (played by Asia Argento from “The Heart is Deceitful Above All Things,” 29th CIFF) reaches for something that is not quite there, exposing a tattooed eye on her palm. Nearly two months beforehand, Zingarina's boyfriend, a Transylvanian musician named Milan Agustin, suddenly disappeared from France. Now pregnant and still desperately in love, Zingarina has traveled to Transylvania in search of Milan. The bittersweet music of Transylvanian locals echoes in the background, constantly reminding Zingarina of her journey's purpose. But Milan is nowhere to be found; she seems to be chasing a dream. In a crowded tavern, Zingarina meets Tchangalo, a vagabond who doubts her naïve devotion to love. Adorned in gypsy garb and with Tchangalo, Zingarina continues her pursuit for happiness in the Transylvania countryside. In TRANSYLVANIA, director Tony Gatlif assumes his unique artistic style in this cold, gritty, but altogether engrossing film about the unconventional possibilities of love. (In French and Romanian with English subtitles) – E.J.B