KUKK – Cultural Critique Club

The joint film club of the Department of Hungarian Ethnography and Anthropology at Babeș–Bolyai University and the Tranzit Foundation present this year’s open seminar for the courses Critical Cultural Studies and Film and Anthropology:
Mentors: Biró Botond, Erőss Réka, Seprődi Attila
Academic coordinator of the seminar: Csilla Könczei, cultural researcher, associate professor

This week’s film:
Alexandru Solomon: Arsenie. An Amazing Afterlife (2023, 96 min.) – a documentary in Romanian.
The screening will be followed by a discussion in Hungarian.
The film will be introduced and moderated by Erőss Réka
Guest: Peti Lehel BBU Professor at Department of Hungarian Ethnography and Anthropology

Born in 1910, Arsenie Boca was a monk at monasteries in Brașov and Hunedoara counties. Because of his sympathy for the Legionary Movement, he was persecuted by the Securitate, sent to forced labour at the Danube–Black Sea Canal, and later imprisoned. Today, Boca, often referred to as the “Saint of Transylvania,” is growing increasingly popular among religious believers. Every year, numerous pilgrimages are organised to his grave and to places associated with his life. Stories of his alleged miracles circulate widely, and in 2015, the Romanian Orthodox Church initiated the process of his canonisation.
In his documentary, Alexandru Solomon sets out to explore the cult surrounding Arsenie Boca. To do so, the director organises a pilgrimage of his own, recruiting participants from among the followers of the “Saint of Transylvania.” Along the way, the alleged miracles are also brought to life, as the participants, guided by the director, reenact episodes from the monk’s life.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOIezqbqntc&t=2s

The event is free of charge. We look forward to seeing you there!