Bánffy Castle in Răscruci, a freshly renovated architectural gem, opens its doors wide for the 23rd edition of TIFF. The estate near Cluj-Napoca will host the Garden Party at the Castle, an event that combines film with music. On Tuesday, June 18, after 6:00 PM, guests are welcomed to an evening that will include a tour of the castle, a concert from the jazz band 7th SENSE, a concert by the PlaCello Cello Ensemble, and a screening of the latest film starring Sir Anthony Hopkins – "One Life" (Dir. James Hawes, 2023, UK).
Dress code: garden party chic.
Built in the 18th century, Bánffy Castle in Răscruci has regained its splendor this year following extensive restoration and conservation work. Surrounded by a park that includes a pontoon lake, the castle will be the perfect setting for the TIFF Garden Party. Upon arrival, guests will be invited to a castle tour and then spend an evening outdoors, enjoying the park where they can find drinks, snacks, local products, as well as games for children and adults.
The band 7th SENSE, one of the youngest and most appreciated jazz bands in Romania, will delight the audience with a fresh jazz concert, improvisation, and influences of soul and electronic music. The band 7th SENSE participated in the "Euroradio Jazz Competition" in 2019, and in December 2021, they won the award for "Best Band" at the Sibiu Jazz Competition.
The event will continue with a concert by the PlaCello Ensemble, featuring some of the country's most talented cellists – Răzvan Suma, Ella Bokor, Ștefan Cazacu, and Mircea Marian. The PlaCello Ensemble presents the OVERTURE project to the audience, a concept with a unique repertoire idea: the artists perform overtures by the greatest composers in the world such as Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Rossini, Verdi, Händel, and Charpentier. In addition, the musicians will also perform jazz and rock arrangements.
After the concert, the audience will be invited to the premiere of the latest film starring Sir Anthony Hopkins. In "One Life" (Dir. James Hawes, UK, 2023), Hopkins plays the role of a man who, during World War II, saved nearly 600 children, predominantly Jews, from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia, but who always lived under the burden of those he couldn't save in those dark years. A TV show from the 1980s will change his destiny. Helena Bonham Carter and Lena Olin also star in the film. The film is inspired by the life of Sir Nicholas 'Nicky' Winton.
Evening program:
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM – Arrival of participants and castle tour
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM – Activities in the castle park
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM - 7th SENSE Concert
8:30 PM – 9:30 PM – PlaCello Concert
9:45 PM – 11:35 PM – Film screening
Parking in the Bánffy Castle area is limited, so organizers recommend transportation with round-trip buses that the festival will provide to participants. These will depart from Iulius Mall Cluj between 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM. The return to Cluj-Napoca will begin at the end of the film screening. The travel cost is not included in the event ticket price and must be paid separately.
Garden Party at the Castle is an event supported by DeLonghi Romania. Strategic partners: Cluj County Council, Bonțida City Hall.