Then The City Was Born

About This Movie

Then The City Was Born is a haunting documentary that captures the bittersweet essence of Orșova’s demise, a town swallowed by progress. It’s not just about the physical destruction but also the emotional weight of memories lost. The pacing is contemplative, allowing viewers to absorb the stark contrasts between the vibrant life once pulsing through the streets and the stark, looming presence of the Iron Gates project. The cinematography, with its raw snapshots of the town's architecture and the surrounding landscapes, creates an almost melancholic atmosphere. There’s something distinctly powerful about how it presents the human stories intertwined with the land—a testament to what was sacrificed in the name of advancement.

This film has had a limited release history, often overshadowed by more widely recognized documentaries from the same era. Its scarcity makes it a compelling piece for collectors interested in niche historical narratives. The lack of extensive distribution means finding it in physical formats is becoming increasingly difficult, which adds to its allure among dedicated documentary enthusiasts.