Acasă, My Home 2021

A vibrant green oasis nestled within a bustling metropolis, the Bucharest Delta stands as an abandoned reservoir that has naturally transformed into a rare urban ecosystem teeming with wildlife. Over the past twenty years, the Enache family—comprised of eleven members—has claimed this haven as their home, residing in a humble hut on the lake’s edge. They rise with the sun, attuned to the seasonal rhythms, and engage in the art of catching fish and turtles using nothing but their bare hands.

However, their serene existence comes to a halt when they are faced with eviction as the authorities decide to clear their cherished abode. The arrival of bulldozers signals an end to their tranquil way of life, forcing them to adapt to the demands of urban living. Their fishing rods are replaced by smartphones, leisurely afternoons soaking in the sun give way to endless hours in classrooms, and maintaining family bonds becomes increasingly challenging.

The story of Acasa, My Home is rooted in the profound narrative of a family that thrived for two decades within the wild embrace of Vacaresti Delta, only to see it recognized as a protected area—Vacaresti Natural Park, Romania’s first urban natural park. Director Radu Ciorniciuc chronicled the Enache family’s remarkable journey over a span of four years, capturing their transition from a life in harmony with nature to tackling the myriad obstacles of life in Romania’s urban capital.

Concurrently, the film crew collaborated on a broader social initiative, enlisting the support of various specialists and humanitarian organizations. As a result, all nine Enache children now possess proper documentation, attend school, receive regular medical care, and the adults have secured stable employment, illustrating a powerful narrative of resilience and adaptation in the face of change.