July 13 - July 19, 1998 Craiova, The Retirement Home

The documentary unfolds in the Romanian town of Craiova, where five hundred elderly residents live out their days in a retirement home, sustaining themselves on meager pensions. Their daily activities are routine, and the residents voice their complaints, which have become a predictable part of life. The film, directed by Cristi Puiu, highlights the struggles and memories of these individuals as they confront their pasts.

Over the course of six days, filmmakers Andreea Paduraru and Cristi Puiu delve into the lives of the residents, who often find it difficult to recall moments of happiness. One resident clings to hope that a lottery ticket might provide an escape from their situation. Their conversations reveal a mix of personal history and the weight of their current circumstances, with stories ranging from arguments with Ceausescu to experiences in World War II. This documentary serves as a poignant exploration of aging and memory in a modern context.