Acasă, My Home 2021
Directed by
Radu Ciorniciuc
Made by
Zeitgeist Films
Plot Summary
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.
Timeline
Discovery of Bucharest Delta
The Enache family discovers the Bucharest Delta, a vibrant green oasis within the city, where they decide to make their home. Over the years, this abandoned reservoir transforms into a unique urban ecosystem, becoming a sanctuary for them and various wildlife.
Establishment of Family Life
The Enache family, consisting of eleven members, builds a humble hut by the lake's edge. They establish a way of life that is closely tied to natural rhythms, rising with the sun and engaging in traditional fishing practices.
Daily Life in the Oasis
For two decades, the family thrives in their environment, relying on their resourcefulness to catch fish and turtles with their bare hands. They foster a deep connection to nature and each other, enjoying leisure time amidst the tranquility of their surroundings.
Threat of Eviction
The family's idyllic life is disrupted by the authorities, who announce plans to clear the area. The arrival of bulldozers marks the beginning of a significant upheaval, threatening their home and way of life.
Transition to Urban Life
Faced with eviction, the Enache family begins their transition to urban life. They reluctantly exchange their fishing rods for smartphones and structured school routines, marking a departure from their natural lifestyle.
Changes in Daily Routine
The leisurely afternoons spent soaking in the sun shift to a rigorous schedule of school and work. The family struggles to adapt to the new pace of life in the bustling city, encountering various challenges along the way.
Recognition of Vacaresti Natural Park
The Bucharest Delta is officially recognized as Vacaresti Natural Park, safeguarding its unique ecosystem. This recognition highlights the importance of preserving urban natural spaces amidst rising urbanization.
Documentary Filming Begins
Director Radu Ciorniciuc begins documenting the Enache family's journey over a four-year period. This documentary work aims to showcase their resilience and adaptation to life in the urban capital.
Social Initiative Collaboration
As part of the documentary project, the film crew collaborates with specialists and humanitarian organizations. This initiative aims to provide support to the Enache family in navigating their new urban challenges.
Education and Healthcare Access
The initiative successfully ensures that all nine Enache children receive proper documentation and education. Additionally, regular medical care becomes accessible to the family, facilitating a healthier lifestyle.
Stable Employment for Adults
The adults of the Enache family secure stable jobs, which play a crucial role in their adaptation to urban life. This financial stability marks a significant shift in their circumstances, helping the family integrate into the city.
Resilience Amidst Change
Through the myriad challenges presented by their transition, the Enache family demonstrates remarkable resilience. Their journey illustrates the complexities faced by families uprooted from nature and forced to navigate the urban environment.
Characters
Corina Enache
Corina Enache embodies the spirit of the family, showcasing the traditional practices of fishing and living harmoniously with nature. Her character reflects both the joys of a simple life and the challenges posed by a rapidly changing environment.
Cristian Zãrescu
As the PSD mayor's counselor, Cristian Zãrescu represents the governmental challenges faced by the Enache family. His presence in the film highlights the intersection of authority and personal hardship during the eviction process.
Dacian Ciolos
Dacian Ciolos serves as the Prime Minister, symbolizing the broader political landscape that impacts the Enache family's struggle. His character accentuates the governmental decisions that affect urban development and natural spaces.
Setting
Time period
Over the last twenty years
The narrative unfolds over two decades, highlighting a significant transition in the Enache family's lifestyle after being uprooted from their natural surroundings. This time period illustrates the challenges faced as the family adapts to the urban demands of modern life while witnessing the changing landscape of their home.
Location
Bucharest Delta, Vacaresti Natural Park
The Bucharest Delta is an incredible urban oasis that has evolved from an abandoned reservoir into a rich ecosystem filled with diverse wildlife. This unique area is now home to Vacaresti Natural Park, Romania's first urban natural park, which showcases the beauty of nature in the heart of a bustling city.
Themes
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Home
The theme of home is central to the film, as it chronicles the Enache family's deep connection to their natural habitat. The eviction serves as a catalyst for exploring what home means, contrasting their tranquil past with the stresses of urban living and the struggle to maintain family bonds.
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Resilience
Resilience is a prominent theme in *Acasă, My Home*, showcasing the family's ability to adapt amidst drastic changes. As they transition from a life rooted in nature to one characterized by the demands of city life, their determination to thrive illustrates a powerful narrative of strength and adaptability.
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