Weekend at the Castle, the Transilvania International Film Festival programme that transforms Bánffy Castle in Bonțida into one of Romania’s most spectacular open-air cinemas, returns this year with two evenings dedicated to special cinematic experiences. On June 13 and 14, audiences at Transilvania IFF.25 (June 12–21, 2026, Cluj-Napoca) are invited to two event screenings: a special preview of Pedro Almodóvar’s latest film and a celebration of one of Romania’s most beloved comedies, screened exactly as audiences experienced it half a century ago – on film.
On Saturday, June 13, at 9:30 PM, audiences will have the opportunity to see Bitter Christmas, Pedro Almodóvar’s latest feature, in a special preview screening. The film premiered in the Official Competition at Cannes.
Elsa (Bárbara Lennie), a commercial director, tries to cope with the death of her mother by immersing herself in work, until a severe migraine forces her to take a break and go on holiday with her friend Patricia. Attempting to reconnect with her creative writing, she begins transforming the dramas of those around her into artistic material.
Running parallel is another narrative thread centered on Raúl (Leonardo Sbaraglia), a filmmaker struggling with creative block who begins writing Elsa’s story itself — perhaps turning her into his own alter ego. With stories reflecting one another, autofiction, humour, melodrama, and unforgettable characters (including a boyfriend who is both a stripper and a firefighter), Bitter Christmas promises to be one of Almodóvar’s most personal and self-reflective films to date.
The festival will provide transportation on both days between Cluj-Napoca and Bonțida, with return service included. Spectators who wish to use the transport service must select the dedicated option on the Eventbook page during the final step of purchase.