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The incredible story of Dumitru Dan
Introduction by Roger Bunyan
OPINCI/MY FATHER'S SHOES screening

Q&A with directors Anton & Damian Groves and illustrators Ileana & Maria Surducan

Roger Bunyan, a former teacher and author of the book "Against All Odds. The Stories of 25 Remarkable Adventurers" (Hayloft Publishing), introduced us to the phenomenal character that was Dumitru Dan. In 1910, he and three other friends, all dressed in traditional costumes, left Bucharest with the quest of walking around the world. After six years full of adventures, Dumitru was the only one to return safely home and to complete the extraordinarily challenge launched by the Touring Club de France.

October 2020, Online

His remarkable global journey, a story of grit and resilience, inspired directors Anton and Damian Groves in creating the short animation "Opinci/My father's shoes", currently making waves at festivals. Some awards to be mentioned: Best Romanian Short Film @TIFF, Best Romanian Animation @Animest, Best Film @TIAF, Winner Young Audience Award @Clermond-Ferrand International Short Film Festival.

The directors were joined by sisters illustrators Maria and Ileana Surducan to discuss the making of this touching animation and to share their thoughts on the story. The film is a visual and technical masterpiece, and it was fascinating to understand the challenges and the decisions that lead to the final result.

Link to Roger Bunyan and Q&A to follow

This event was part of Romania Rocks, the first Romanian British Literature Festival, organised by RCI London.

Your space to read, create and connect.

We connect

Link to the programme/festival's brochure:

Panel #LFADigital2020: Connecting and Collecting

25th June 2020, Online

Public libraries are much more than knowledge providers; they’ve become platforms for creating and sharing, places for meaningful connections. How can the design process encourage community involvement, build a sense of belonging for its users and promote civic engagement?

On Thursday, 25 June, 5 pm BST, the Romanian Cultural Institute in London (RCI) hosted a panel discussion chaired by Francesca Perry ( Founder, Thinking City) about the role of the public library in empowering communities.
The guest contributors - Alex Axinte (studioBASAR, Bucharest) and Fiona MacDonald (Matt + Fiona, London) - presented successful examples of participatory design, highlighting the power of collaboration and addressing the challenges the future might bring.
The panel included a presentation by Anca Mihalache, Anastasia Stan and Viorica Buica about the project “Library on Stage”, aiming to transform the library room at RCI London into a community cultural hub, with a focus on young audiences.

This event was part of #LFADigital 2020,
organised by London Festival of Architecture and RCI London.

Link to the programme/festival's brochure: