Synopsis
Foreword: After hundreds of boxes sent all over the country, after stories that have traveled from one hand to another, from one soul to another – HappyBox becomes a film. A short documentary about how generosity turns into a story. And about how each packaged smile has unwittingly written a script.
Directed by: Irina Malcea-Cândea
Cast: Vicky- Virginia Alexandrescu
Producer: Irina Malcea-Cândea (Luna Film)
Cinematography: Carmen Tofeni
Edited by: Letiția Ștefănescu
Sound: Florin Tăbăcaru, Ștefan Azaharioaie
Year: 2025
Category: Short film
Genre: Documentary
Duration: 23 minutes
2,369 – Cinepub viewers
PLOT SUMMARY
In Brasov, the Kastel Association brings together teenage volunteers who, under Vicky’s gentle and firm guidance, are taking on a profound mission: fighting functional illiteracy and giving children from disadvantaged backgrounds a real chance.
During a week full of excitement and involvement, we follow them preparing gifts for the little ones – a simple but hopeful gesture that reflects the strength of community and a genuine desire to bring joy and change where it is most needed.
TRIVIA:
- “Happy Box” is Irina Malcea-Cândea’s documentary filmmaking debut.
- Irina has been working as a film producer since 2015 and is the founder of Luna Film, a production house that focuses on impactful and socially conscious films.
- Her portfolio includes award-winning films that tackle challenging but emotionally engaging social issues – the documentaries “Alice on & off”, “The Land you belong”, “Too close”, “Teach, I am Hercules”. She co-produced and distributed locally the Bosnian drama “The Son” and was Romanian executive producer for the Bulgarian co-production “Palace for the people”.
- Since 2013, she coordinates the documentary workshop Astra Doc Tank, part of Astra Film Festival.
- Irina is a member of the European Film Academy and a graduate of EAVE Producers Workshop, Berlinale Talents, EWA Network, PUENTES, Emerging Producers.
LINES:
• “Dear Santa Claus…” – Child
• “I know I haven’t been the best, but please forgive me.” – Child
• “I want a hat, boots and a tracksuit.” – “Child
• “Just some candy, a book to read and a puzzle.” – Child
• “A pair of size 32 boots.” – Kid
• “One for the hand, because we worked as a team and we got through faster and two for the hand, we also did a good deed.” – Volunteer
• “That’s a really cool thing. When there’s 2-3 of us, it’s really hard. When there’s a lot of us and we do it all at once, then you’ve seen. What you did now, if there were 2-3 of us, it would take us almost all day.” – Vicky-Virginia Alexandrescu
• “No one is forcing you to volunteer. It’s all very well to do it, because it’s a great growth for you; but it’s not an obligation.” – Vicky-Virginia Alexandrescu
• “If you said you come to volunteer, the obligation to do that thing is the same as when you are paid. (…) Your word should be worth more than any amount of money.” – Vicky-Virginia Alexandrescu
• “I’m a very loving girl. I guess I’m a little bored by how loving I am. And then if you give it to one person, it can get suffocating.” – Vicky-Virginia Alexandrescu
• “I like giving more than receiving.” – Vicky-Virginia Alexandrescu
• “I think I get a lot of charge from children.” – Vicky-Virginia Alexandrescu
• “The NGO area does so much work that the state doesn’t cover.” – Vicky-Virginia Alexandrescu
• “It’s clear that the whole orphanages part, the education part… it’s not working.” – Vicky-Virginia Alexandrescu
ARTICLES:
- Irina Malcea, producer – dokweb.net
- Irina Malcea-Candea – mabumbe.com
