A young woman battles the shadows of her past and present in Sânziana, a twelve-minute psychological short written, directed and produced by Daniela Stemate.
Infused with Romanian mythology and anchored by a quietly moving performance from Francesca Amura, this female-led story offers a vivid exploration of trauma, transformation and the courage required to rebuild a life that has been shattered by violence.
Set across two planes of reality, the waking world and a surreal dreamscape, the film follows Ileana, a woman haunted by recurring nightmares and the very real threat of a stalker. In her dreams, she is pursued by a bear, while in her waking life, she receives menacing messages and feels watched at every turn. Through conversations with her hypnotherapist, we come to understand that Ileana suffered sexual assault as a child, and that the trauma continues to define every aspect of her existence.
Daniela Stemate approaches the subject with great sensitivity. While the themes are undeniably heavy, the story never feels exploitative or sensationalised. Instead, it finds power in resilience and self-discovery. By weaving in Romanian folklore, Stemate transforms what could have been a purely psychological narrative into something mythic and symbolic. The result is a story that feels both intimate and universal, as if the myths of old are being reimagined to help a modern woman find her strength once again.
Francesca Amura delivers a compelling performance as Ileana. She speaks little, but her face and body carry the weight of years of unspoken pain. Her journey from fear to determination unfolds naturally, without melodrama. When Ileana finally faces the figures that haunt her, both in dreams and in reality, Amura captures a sense of defiance that feels quietly triumphant. It is a performance that lingers long after the credits roll.
The supporting cast provides thoughtful contributions. Agata Maria Frankowska portrays Maria, the hypnotherapist who guides Ileana through her process of healing. Her calm presence is a gentle counterpoint to the emotional turmoil surrounding the protagonist. Richard Trist and Leo Anand appear as figures tied to Ileana’s trauma, representing both the memory and the immediate threat that keep her trapped in fear. Together, the ensemble adds layers to a story that moves between reality and imagination.
The film’s most striking creative choice lies in its use of animation to depict the dream sequences. Designed and animated by Eugenia Cynthiaputri, these moments are rendered in 2D illustration. Though simple in style, they are effective in creating an ethereal, symbolic atmosphere. The animation feels raw and personal, a reflection of how fragmented and uncertain dreams can be when shaped by trauma. It is a visual risk that pays off, giving the film a distinctive artistic texture.
From a technical standpoint, Sânziana displays both ambition and early-career learning. The cinematography by Phineas Sajous occasionally suffers from uneven focus and composition, yet there are flashes of promise in the way movement and shadow are used to mirror Ileana’s state of mind. The editing by Harpreet Singh keeps the pacing tight and the transitions smooth, while the sound design by Douglas North and the music by Giacomo D’Anselmi help sustain the film’s haunting mood. The post-production team, including colourist Rebecca Goodeve and mixer Stefon Bergeron, ensures the tone remains consistent throughout.
Though modest in scale, Sânziana carries emotional weight and artistic intention. It is a film about reclaiming control, about finding the strength to face buried pain and transform it into power. Its imperfections are the kind that accompany genuine creativity, the kind that signal a filmmaker experimenting, learning and daring to tell personal stories.
With Sânziana, Daniela Stemate demonstrates an eye for symbolism and a heart for human truth. It is a short film that not only tells a story of survival but also celebrates the ability of art to turn suffering into self-discovery. If this is the beginning of her cinematic journey, it is a very promising one indeed.