The presentation of the film "Unforgettable Summer", directed by Lucian Pintilie, at the Alliance Française, on April 02, 2025, was made possible thanks to the active involvement of the Romanian Embassy, the partnership with the Romanian Cultural Institute and the cooperation with Alliance Francaise of Singapore.

Hosted by the Embassy of Romania in Singapore and Alliance Francaise, in collaboration with renowned Singaporean producer and director Edmund CHEN, the event turned into a true "belle epoque" film-focused gala, bringing together leading members of Singapore's artistic community, experts from the local film industry, specialized media and local televisions, representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Singapore and government agencies, top managers of several travel agencies, representatives of the Romanian community in Singapore, visual artists and academics in the field of creative culture. 

The real magician of the evening was the well-known Edmund CHEN, a passionate lover and promoter of Romania. His speech and the special setting of the event immersed the audience in a true 1920s atmosphere.  

" Unforgettable Summer ", is a deeply humanistic movie with a massive emotional impact. It is a production that stands out for its memorable blend of beauty and harshness, with a clever script, brilliant dialogues and lines, gorgeous images and scenery, make it truly "unforgettable" said Mr. Edmund CHEN in his introduction.

"The idea of having 'a different kind of event' occurred following the invitation extended by me and my colleague, Mr. Mathieu GOMEZ, from the organizing team of Alliance Francaise, to Mr. Edmund CHEN (to whom I would like to thank for an exceptional partnership), to join us for the specialized presentation of the film", said Dr. Patricia MANEA, "Head of Chancery" of the Romanian Embassy to the Republic of Singapore. 

"Trying to answer Mr. Chen's questions about Romania at that time, I realized that the presentation of this film cannot be an «ordinary» one. The history of Romania, at the confluence of the East and the West, is the history of a country located on the border of three empires, each of these empires having left its mark on the evolution and behaviour of its inhabitants. Romania's nobility and great aristocracy, however, were constantly present.

It is no coincidence that the well-known Romanian director Lucian Pintilie wanted the British actress Kristin Scott Thomas to play the role of Captain Dumitriu's wife, Marie-Thérèse von Debretsy. The nobility of Marie-Thérèse von Debretsy is evident, her attitude towards life, especially in difficult conditions, is one of the main messages of the movie", said Patricia. 

Mrs. Patricia MANEA, PhD, comes from a family of ancient noble origins from the former Habsburg Empire, being attracted since childhood by the study and analysis of symbols, the deciphering of heraldic insignia and research into the history of ancient noble families from the crown provinces within the former Habsburg Empire.

A graduate of the Doctoral School of the Faculty of History of the University of Bucharest, Romania, author of various specialized historical works, Patricia obtained the scientific title of Doctor in History with the highest distinction: Summa cum laude, and is currently a member of the National Commission of Heraldry, Genealogy and Sigillography of the Romanian Academy, as well as of the Romanian Institute of Genealogy and Heraldry in Romania "Sever Zotta".

Often referred to as "the noble lady of the Romanian Embassy in Singapore", a true lady of the Romanian aristocratic society, this marvellous female star enchanted the audience with her Victorian beauty, with the distinction and elegance of a true actress. Mrs. Patricia MANEA, PhD, analysed in depth every element of the event, accurately organizing it, becoming for all those present a true embodiment of the character of Marie-Thérèse von Debretsy, looking really as if she had been plucked from the film. 

The selection of this movie was an excellent calling card for Romania, as evidenced by the interest of Singaporean film lovers for historical subjects and the substantial presence of tourism businessmen.

The movie was introduced by an introductory speech delivered by His Excellency Mr. Iulian BUGA, Ambassador of Romania, which highlighted the motivations for the selection of this historical film, the importance of promoting francophone values, Romanian culture, history and traditions within the broader framework of the bilateral relations between Romania and Singapore.

The ambassador's wide-ranging speech impressed us by sharing the life story of the famous Marin Karmitz, one of Europe's most influential film producers, directors and distributors, with a record of over 150 awards and nominations at major film festivals, MK2, his company being one of the largest and most important European film production, distribution and operating companies. 

Marin Karmitz was born in Bucharest in October 1938. To pay tribute to him, the film that Romania is proposing for the Festival of Francophonie in Singapore is his first joint creation with a well-known Romanian director (Lucian Pintilie) and the main reason why Karmitz returned to Romania, as he confesses: "I first came back to Romania after the production of a Lucian Pintilie film in the 90s (this film is originally titled O vară de neuitat)." Marin was 9 in 1947, when he left Romania forever. Having escaped the fascist terror, the Karmitz family settled in France, and Marin Karmitz's life started again here.

"Beyond the story of its creator, the movie's message exceeds its plot by far. «An Unforgettable Summer» is not only a beautifully told story, but also, above all, a sharp criticism of xenophobia, non-nationalism and human inclination towards violence especially in times of crisis", His Excellency Ambassador Iulian BUGA stated.

The gala evening ended with a light reception hosted by the Alliance Francaise in an artistic setting, the audience benefiting from the presence of the well-known visual artist, Mrs. Antoinette ROZAN.