During the reign of Nicolae Ceaușescu in Romania he had a grand plan. This was to turn acres of swampy land on the outskirts of Bucharest into a reservoir. Whilst the end of communism prevented this venture coming to fruition it didn’t stop biodiversity flourishing. In 2014, after years of neglect which resulted in parts becoming a rubbish dump, the Lake Văcăreșt zone was declared a protected nature area and renamed Văcărești Nature Park.
However, whilst plant and animal life flourished within the confines of the abandoned area, they were not alone. Twenty years ago, Gică Enache made the decision to turn his back on Romanian society and built a shack on the land. Together with his wife, they raised their children amongst the surrounding flora and fauna. When the government decide to unveil ambitious plans for the delta region, they find themselves surplus to requirements. This story is documented in Acasă, My Home.
Whilst their situation is unique, Acasă, My Home tells the universal story of progress over tradition. Of the gentrification which is sweeping through ‘prime’ poor areas of the world. Of those who find themselves dispossessed or homeless as a result. Radu Ciorniciuc’s documentary tackles difficult question through the eyes of an often-problematic family. Acasă, My Home doesn’t try to answer these difficult questions. Instead it closely observes the effects on the family, both good and bad.
Acasă, My Home screens at IDFA.
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