The Delta of Bucharest review – Ceaușescu-era brutalities healed by urban oasis

Eva Pervolovici movingly juxtaposes the tragic history of women held in a Romanian communist jail with the beautiful wetlands area that the site is today

A Romanian millennial based in Paris, film-maker Eva Pervolovici felt disconnected from the communist past of her home country until the arrival of an unexpected parcel ignited her curiosity. Lena, a family friend, sent Pervolovici a beautiful piece of hand-stitched tapestry: a colourful artwork that opened a portal to a bleak and tragic history. Under the Ceaușescu regime, Lena was held at the notorious Văcăreşti prison in Bucharest, charged with anticommunist activities – the same vague accusations that forced numerous other women into incarceration.

Featuring intimate interviews with former inmates, this poignant documentary honours these brave souls who endured unimaginable hardship and pain. Many of the women gave birth during their imprisonment, and were forced to part with their children.

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This post was originally published on Human rights | The Guardian.