Romanian producer Ada Solomon is making waves at the 78th Locarno Film Festival with not one, but three films in the festival’s prestigious competition lineup. Known for championing daring and thought-provoking cinema, Solomon continues her long-standing tradition of collaboration with bold filmmakers, bringing powerful stories to the global stage.
Among the titles is Dracula, directed by Radu Jude, a frequent collaborator of Solomon’s and a mainstay of contemporary Romanian cinema. The film, a provocative and cerebral reimagining, premiered to much buzz in Locarno and continues Solomon and Jude’s shared mission of using film to question societal norms. “For me, it’s very important for cinema to have something to say,” Solomon tells The Hollywood Reporter. “The challenges are so complex because one-sided perspectives are dominating. We need dialogue more than ever.”
Alongside Dracula, Solomon also co-produced God Will Not Help, directed by Hana Jušić. Set in an isolated Croatian mountain village in the early 1900s, the film follows a mysterious Chilean woman who arrives claiming to be the widow of an émigré brother. Jušić’s work dives deep into themes of identity, tradition, and power—issues that resonate deeply with Solomon’s own values as a producer.
Her third film in competition, Too Close, directed by German filmmaker Sarah Neumann, explores the psychological impact of trauma within a modern European context. Once again, Solomon’s role as co-producer highlights her commitment to fostering European co-productions and supporting voices that challenge conventional narratives.
Through her company microFILM, Solomon has become a crucial figure in the European film industry. Her credits span acclaimed titles like Aferim! and Toni Erdmann, and her work consistently provokes conversation. “Cinema shouldn’t aim to comfort. It should stir emotions and open up space for dialogue. That’s how society progresses,” she says.
At a time when global discourse is increasingly polarized, Ada Solomon believes cinema can—and must—step in. Her approach to producing isn’t just about funding films; it’s about fueling ideas. “We’re facing complex realities,” she reflects. “Art must be more than entertainment—it must challenge, question, and connect.”
With three powerful films in one of Europe’s most respected festivals, Ada Solomon is proving once again that she’s not just producing movies—she’s producing conversations.
