When a film like I Matter breaks through the noise of international festivals, it’s not just about the story it tells—it’s about the silences it finally dares to shatter. Alina Șerban’s debut as a director isn’t just a milestone for her career; it’s a seismic shift in the landscape of global cinema. Let’s talk about what this means, why it matters, and why it’s likely to ripple far beyond the red carpets of Venice.
The Roma Narrative: A Story That’s Been Waiting to Be Told
The Roma community has long been invisible in mainstream media, often reduced to stereotypes or sidelined entirely. I Matter is a rare exception—a film that doesn’t just feature Roma characters but is built from the inside out, by someone who knows the struggle, the resilience, and the beauty of that identity. Șerban’s decision to draw from her own life isn’t just personal; it’s political. This isn’t just a film about a young girl navigating poverty and systemic barriers—it’s a declaration that Roma voices deserve to be heard without filters, without permission. And let’s be honest, that’s a radical act in a world where representation often feels like a privilege, not a right.
The Power of Personal Storytelling
What makes I Matter particularly fascinating is how it balances intimacy with universality. Rebeca’s journey—clinging to hope, fighting for a family, grappling with the weight of her past—is deeply specific, yet it resonates with anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider. Șerban’s background as an actress and her 15 years of work in theater and film to amplify Roma stories give this project a kind of authenticity that’s hard to fake. It’s not just a film; it’s a lifeline for a community that’s been historically erased. And that, personally, is what makes me sit up and take notice. When art becomes a tool for survival, it’s no longer entertainment—it’s revolution.
The Business of Representation: Who’s Investing in This?
Let’s talk about the production credits for a moment. The list of co-producers and funding bodies reads like a who’s who of European media support. But here’s what’s interesting: the fact that this film exists at all is a testament to the growing appetite for stories that challenge the status quo. The European Union’s Media Programme, Romanian Film Center, and other backers aren’t just funding a movie—they’re funding a movement. This isn’t just about diversity in film; it’s about economic and cultural capital shifting toward narratives that were once deemed ‘niche.’ What this really suggests is that the market is finally catching up to the moral imperative of inclusion. And that’s a win for everyone, not just Roma audiences.
Why Pluto Film’s Involvement Matters
Pluto Film’s acquisition of international sales rights is more than a business move—it’s a statement. Their Managing Director, Daniela Cölle, described the film as ‘more than a story of empowerment for young people facing systemic disadvantage.’ But here’s the thing: that’s not just a line for press releases. It’s a recognition that I Matter isn’t just about one girl’s struggles—it’s about a systemic failure to see Roma people as full human beings. Pluto’s commitment to this project signals a shift in how international distributors are approaching stories that don’t fit the traditional mold. And that’s a trend worth watching. If this film gains traction, it could open doors for other marginalized creators who’ve been told their stories aren’t ‘marketable.’
The Bigger Picture: What This Film Could Spark
Let’s take a step back. I Matter is not just a film—it’s a catalyst. It forces audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about identity, belonging, and the cost of exclusion. But here’s what I find especially interesting: the film’s focus on education as a pathway out of poverty. Rebeca’s acceptance into university is both a triumph and a ticking clock. It’s a reminder that systemic barriers aren’t just about access—they’re about who gets to write the rules. And when a Roma woman is the one telling this story, it’s a direct challenge to those power structures. This isn’t just art; it’s a blueprint for change.
A Detail That Stands Out: The Director’s Journey
Șerban’s return to Venice as a filmmaker after starring in Housekeeping for Beginners isn’t just a career milestone—it’s a symbolic one. It’s like watching a phoenix rise from the ashes of underrepresentation. Her background—studying at NYU Tisch and RADA, being a Knight of the Order of Cultural Merit—adds layers to her credibility. But what truly matters is that she’s not just a ‘Roma director’ in the way we often reduce people to labels. She’s a storyteller, a human being, and now a trailblazer. This raises a deeper question: How many other voices are waiting in the wings, ready to break through if only the system stops gatekeeping?
The Future of Roma Stories in Cinema
If I Matter succeeds, it won’t just be a win for Șerban or Pluto Film. It’ll be a green light for other Roma filmmakers, writers, and actors who’ve spent decades fighting for visibility. But let’s be real: this is just the beginning. The film’s success will depend on more than just festival buzz—it’ll require distributors, critics, and audiences to lean into the discomfort of seeing the world through a different lens. And that’s the real test. Will we finally stop asking, ‘Why does this matter?’ and start asking, ‘What can we learn from it?’
In the end, I Matter isn’t just about a young Roma girl’s journey. It’s about the power of stories to reshape the world. And if you take a moment to think about it, that’s the kind of film that changes everything.
