The film “Soarele Moldovei”, presented at FERM 2025. The cinematic project depicts the childhood of the ruler STEPHEN THE GREAT

REGIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM MOLDOVA 2025

19th Edition – Vatra Dornei, July 9–13, 2025

Thematic Panel:

Culture and Regional Identity – Tradition, Innovation, and Social Cohesion

Speaker:

Claudia STAVROSITU – producer, director, and screenwriter of “The Sun of Moldova”

Presentation Topic:

“Presentation of the project ‘The Sun of Moldova / Tourism, Culture, and Heritage as Strategic Resources for Moldova'”

Within Panel 10 of the Regional Economic Forum Moldova 2025, entitled “Culture and Regional Identity – Tradition, Innovation, and Social Cohesion,” participants had the opportunity to attend an exceptional screening: the feature film “The Sun of Moldova”, a production by Claudia Stavrositu and Adi Codoi, realized under the auspices of Razem Pictures.

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The project, conceived as a six-part film series, aims to authentically and artistically depict the life and reign of the great voivode Stephen the Great. The first part, entitled “The Sun of Moldova: The Beginning”, follows the ruler’s childhood, with the action set in the year 1450.

A Production Born from Passion and Determination

“I had a dream and I still have it, and I hope to see it through. I want to tell the story of Stephen the Great,” stated Claudia Stavrositu, screenwriter and director of the project. She emphasized that the last cinematic production dedicated to the ruler was released 50 years ago, in 1975, by director Mircea Drăgan, making this project even more necessary for the Romanian audience.

“In the last 35 years, Romania has had no historical projects. I believe too many years have passed, and it is necessary to tell Stephen the Great’s story with authenticity and balance. The film is a catalyst that can bring people together and have an impact on culture, the economy, and the consolidation of national identity, especially Moldovan identity.”

Cultural, Economic, and Tourism Impact

The producer highlighted the three strategic directions through which the film can positively influence the region:

• Cultural Impact – revitalizing public interest in historical projects, bringing young people closer to the remarkable personality of the voivode, and stimulating the creative industry.

• Economic Impact – generating jobs and investments in related industries, from film and theater festivals to publishing books, souvenirs, and merchandising products.

• Tourism Impact – attracting visitors to the actual filming locations in Moldova and the Republic of Moldova, in line with international examples such as the series “Vikings,” which significantly increased interest in historical destinations in the Netherlands.

“We want to film in real locations in Moldova and the Republic of Moldova – in Neamț, Suceava, Soroca – and we hope to find financiers to make this possible.”

From History to Emotion

“I really wanted the film to reference God, even though many told me that a film with so many references wouldn’t sell. I took this responsibility. Our promotional headline was: Lord, only You know what is in my heart!”,

After the screening, the director expressed gratitude to the team involved and revealed plans for the continuation of the series: the next episodes will include The Battle of Crasna, The Reuseni Massacre, as well as moments from the court of Vlad the Impaler, when young Stephen prepares to assume the throne at Doljești, culminating with the marriage of Stephen the Great to Evdochia of Kiev.

An Online Platform for the General Public

To facilitate public access, the producers created the platform soarelemoldovei.ro, where the film can be streamed for the cost of a cinema ticket, 24 lei. “You can watch it with your family as many times as you like,” emphasized Stavrositu.

Local Support and Openness to the Future

The filming involved actors from theaters in Iași, Suceava, Botoșani, and Bucharest, and scenes were shot in authentic locations in Bukovina, Iași, and Suceava.

“We came with open hearts and thank the authorities in Moldova for all the support they have given. We want to return, create more jobs, and establish an itinerary of filming locations.”

Despite financial difficulties, the team remains optimistic.

“We lack funds, but we hope to secure financing. If you enjoyed the first part, please recommend it to your family and friends.”

Regional Economic Forum Moldova – A Bridge Between Culture and Regional Development

The cinematic project “The Sun of Moldova” is a clear example of how culture and regional identity can become powerful drivers for the economic and social development of the Moldova Region. Presented within Panel 10 – “Culture and Regional Identity – Tradition, Innovation, and Social Cohesion” – of the Regional Economic Forum Moldova 2025, this project is part of a broader initiative to valorize historical heritage and promote the creative industries.

The Regional Economic Forum Moldova, a landmark event for sustainable regional development, annually brings together political leaders, experts, investors, and civil society representatives from Romania, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, and other strategic regions. Panel 10, with its focus on integrating tradition into modernity, provided the ideal setting to highlight the importance of cultural heritage as a strategic resource for social cohesion and economic growth.

In this context, “The Sun of Moldova” represents not only an artistic initiative but also a strategic project that can stimulate cultural tourism, create new jobs in the creative industries, and strengthen the sense of regional belonging and pride. The support of local authorities and the involvement of the artistic community reflect the real potential of this production to become a cultural and economic landmark for Moldova.

Thus, the film and its streaming platform symbolize a bridge between the past and the future, between traditional values and the needs of a modern regional economy, confirming the essential role that culture plays in the sustainable development strategy of the Moldova region.