Alina Șerban's 'I Matter': A Roma Woman's Journey from Orphanage to Venice Spotlight

From Poverty to the Spotlight

When I first heard about Alina Șerban's journey, I couldn't help but smile. Not because it was easy, but because it was extraordinary. Here's a woman who rose from an impoverished orphanage in Bucharest to become one of Romania's most celebrated stage performers—and now, a groundbreaking director at the Venice Film Festival with her feature-length debut, I Matter.

Șerban's story is far from typical Hollywood fairy tales. It's a gritty, raw account of resilience and self-discovery, told through the lens of her own life. As someone who has long admired artists who challenge conventions, I was eager to see how she would translate her personal journey into cinema.

“I'm nervous about the pressure of being 'the first' — all the firsts,” Șerban told Variety. “But I also have this immense relief, and the feeling of being grateful that I managed to pull through something almost impossible.”

The Film That Could Change Everything

I Matter isn't just a film—it's a mission. The story centers on a young Roma woman navigating the world of acting while facing eviction from her orphanage. It's a deeply personal narrative, adapted from Șerban's own short film that premiered at New Directors/New Films. With its emotional depth and authentic portrayal of Roma life, it's no wonder it was chosen for the Venice Spotlight section.

The film stars newcomer Denisa Farcaș in a powerful performance that brings vulnerability and strength to the lead role. But what makes this project truly special is Șerban's commitment to collaboration. She describes working with her cast as a “collaborative process,” one that allowed each actor to contribute their own interpretation of what it means to be accepted as Roma women.

This approach speaks volumes about Șerban's vision—she doesn't want to tell the story of Roma people; she wants them to be the story. And in doing so, she's created something that transcends typical representations of marginalized communities on screen.

A Historic Moment for Roma Cinema

The Venice Film Festival is a place where global cinema meets international acclaim. For Șerban to have her film screened in the prestigious Venice Spotlight section makes her achievement even more meaningful. But what makes this moment truly historic isn't just that it's the first feature by a female Roma director to screen at an A-list festival—it's that it brings visibility and pride to a community often overlooked.

What struck me most about Șerban's interview was how she described her experience as both deeply personal and universally important. “This is such a historical moment for me, and also for the Roma community,” she said. “It's a moment of celebration.”

The film will be attended by nearly two dozen cast members, including 16 child performers from the orphanage scenes. And to top it all off, the festival will feature performances by Roma band Mahala Rai Banda, adding another layer of cultural significance to the evening.

Breaking Barriers and Building Dreams

What makes Șerban's journey so inspiring is that she didn't just make it through life—she made it count. From her early days in Bucharest's state-run orphanage to her studies at NYU and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, she turned obstacles into opportunities.

Her one-woman show, which she describes as “pioneering” in its feminist and Roma-centric perspective, laid the foundation for her later success. It wasn't just about showcasing talent; it was about redefining how Roma people are seen—and, more importantly, how they see themselves.

In a world where marginalized voices often go unheard, Șerban has made sure that hers is not only heard but celebrated. I Matter doesn't just challenge stereotypes—it dismantles them entirely.

The Road Ahead for Roma Storytelling

As I reflect on Șerban's achievement, I can't help but think about what this means for the future of cinema. Her film is more than a single project; it's a blueprint for change. It shows that when artists like her are given the chance to tell their stories, they don't just entertain—they transform.

We've seen many films attempt to represent Roma culture, but few have done so with such authenticity and heart. Șerban's film reminds us that true storytelling isn't about pity or inspiration—it's about truth. And in I Matter, she delivers exactly that.

So here's to Alina Șerban: a visionary director, an advocate for her community, and a reminder that the best art often comes from the deepest truths. Her journey is far from over, but one thing is clear—she's already changed the game.