Romania took hold of my heart in 2015 and since then has consumed my mind and soul. As with any genuine commitment, my relationship with this beautiful, complex country has grown and deepened over time as I have learned of its many tragedies, as well as its many triumphs. I have surrendered myself to Romania. [...] As I continue my Romanian journey, I marvel over the resiliency and fortitude of the people. I am fortunate to have developed close relationships, familial in many ways, with many Romanians. And I am eternally grateful to have been granted a Fulbright and honored to become part of this amazing community.
Commemoration of the Victims of Communism in Sighet
More than one hundred Romanians gathered in Sighet on Thursday June 6, 2019 to commemorate the victims of communism. U.S. Fulbrighter Trent Sanders attended the event and sent us a very vivid description:
“The day centered around the remembrance of former political prisoners and the recent beatification of seven Greek and Roman Catholic bishops. Speeches were given by notable professors (Liviu Tirau), journalists (Christian Mititelu), and writers (Ana Blandiana). The remembrance ended with a holy service at the Pauper’s Cemetery.
I contributed a short film called ‘Devil Speaks.’ It is about the physical and spiritual experience of a political prisoner. The genesis of the project came from my exploration of the Sighet Memorial Prison in November of last year, while I was standing inside of Iuliu Maniu’s cell. The gray walls and the austerity of the room, with just a bed and two buckets, overwhelmed me.
To show the events, one photo captures Ana Blandiana towards the end of the holy service speaking about the significance of the day. The next, shows youth from Bucovina who later recite two of Blandiana’s poems. The third witnesses Geogeta (left, former political prisoner) laughing with Anca (right, granddaughter of Florian Ștefănescu-Goangă, rector of the University of Cluj 1932-1940) at a commemoration luncheon following the holy service. It’s a light background to the sober celebration which preceded it.”