The mountain on the big screen: “Mountain Wanderers”, world premiere at TIFF 2026

The documentary “Hoinari prin Munți”, the observational debut of director Cosmin Dumitrache, will have its world premiere at the Transylvania International Film Festival (TIFF) 2026, one of the most important cinematic events in Central and Eastern Europe.

The special screening is scheduled for June 14, 2026, from 9:45 p.m., at Iulius Parc Open Air in Cluj-Napoca. The event marks the public’s first encounter with the story of Dinu and Marlene Mititeanu, two emblematic figures of the mountain community in Romania. Access is based on a ticket, worth 25 lei. Tickets are available on the official TIFF website: https://tiff.eventbook.ro/film/bilete-tiff-2026-hoinari-prin-munti-mountain-wanderers.

The moment will also have a special charge for the film’s protagonists. Dinu and Marlene Mititeanu will be present at the screening and will watch for the first time the documentary that captures their life, their passion for the mountain and the deep bond built over decades. Immediately after the viewing, the public is invited to a question and answer session (Q&A) in the presence of the two protagonists and the director Cosmin Dumitrache.

“I am extremely excited that this soul project of mine will have its world premiere at TIFF, in the heart of Romania, and right at the home of the film’s protagonists. They have only watched sequences, so it will be all the more emotional for me, and for them as well. I have had wonderful feedback from the audience after watching the trailer
and we want the film to have the same reactions. We thank the TIFF team for the opportunity to premiere the film in Cluj-Napoca”,
said director Cosmin Dumitrache.

“We have no words to express our joy at the news of seeing the film in which we are the protagonists, for the first time, at TIFF, right here at home. We want people who will see it to stay with the idea that if we approach the mountain with caution, not unconsciousness, it will give us many joys, becoming a source of health, being the cheapest and most effective biotherapist. The mountain shapes us, tempers us, and every exit can be a lesson from to learn. And, as I said in the film, it is very important to have the courage to dream and the strength to follow our dreams to the end.” said Dinu and Marlene Mititeanu.

A life lived in the rhythm of the mountain

More than a film about the mountains, “Hoinari prin Munți” offers an intimate foray into the lives of two people who built their existence in the rhythm of nature. Through the course of Dinu and Marlene Mititeanu, the documentary talks about resilience, freedom and the power of a passion that has remained alive throughout the decades, transforming the proximity to the mountain into a true philosophy of life. At the same time, the film also captures the love story of the two, built with discretion and authenticity over a lifetime spent together.

At 87 years old, Dinu Mititeanu remains active in the mountain environment and projects his plans for the next 10 years as well, illustrating a rare form of active longevity and a constant connection with the mountain.

A visual journey from the Alps to the Carpathians

From the Alps and Patagonia, on trails around the Matterhorn and the Mont Blanc area, to the Romanian Carpathians – Piatra Craiului, Apuseni, Făgăraș, Bucegi or along the Via Transilvanica – the documentary captures the diversity of mountain spaces and the direct experience of exploring them.

The final material brings together a rigorous selection of around 5,000 frames, drawn from tens of hours of footage and thousands of photographs, in a visual construction in which the mountain becomes a central character.

The “Mountain Wanderers” project was developed independently for six years, going through several stages of documentation, filming and editing. The approximately 100 days of filming allowed the director to capture both moments of the protagonists’ daily lives and the testimonies of those who know them closely, shaping an authentic portrait of their universe. Afterwards, the editing process stretched over approximately 200 days, to which was added 70 days of post-production, devoted mainly to the creation of the soundtrack and sound design.

All the information about the film can be found on the social media accounts – Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

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Media partners: Adevărul.ro, Hotnews, BIZ Magazine, ICON Magazine, Days and Nights, Radio Romania Cultural, Movie News, munteanurecomanda.ro, Romania-Insider.com, romaniajournal.ro, FILM Magazine, CineFAN, Via Cluj TV, Bun Ziua Cluj.

Press monitoring partner: Klarmedia.

Communication & PR: Adriana Filip;

Social Media Manager: Andra Istrate;

Marketing partner: WEDEV.

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About Cosmin Dumitrache

​​Cosmin Dumitrache is a multi-awarded director, producer and videographer, winner of TIFF and Gopo, known for iconic projects such as Wild Romania, Wild Transylvania, Zanzibar Untold, Architecții Naturii and Wild Delta. His documentaries have been broadcast in over 50 countries, on prestigious platforms such as HBO, Discovery, BBC, PBS America and National Geographic, turning him into a true visual ambassador of Romania’s biodiversity and beyond.

He worked on numerous projects for the conservation and promotion of national parks in Romania, his materials often being used in ecological education campaigns. Together with Dan Dinu, he is a co-director of the NTD Film production house.

More information about Cosmin Dumitrache’s work: https://www.cosmindumitrachefilms.com/

About Dinu and Marlene Mititeanu

From Mititeanu is an emblematic figure of mountaineering and mountain education in Romania, often called “the consciousness of the mountain”. Even at the age of 87, he continues to hike mountain trails and inspire with his example of longevity and active living. His blog documents hundreds of routes in the Carpathians, Alps and even Patagonia, sharing precious details about the high altitude lifestyle. He has published six books in the Green Collection of the publishing house Romania picturesque, and in 2027 “Via Transilvanica in both senses” will appear. In addition, Dinu is a documentary filmmaker, proofreader of mountain guides, Salvamont veteran and community builder, becoming a mentor for those who want to learn mountain ethics.

Marlene Mititeanu she is not only the “wife who accompanies” Dinu, but his rope partner, indispensable in every ascent. With rigor, keen observation and discipline, she manages the details and turns each technical route into a memorable visual story for their audience. Marlene is a symbol of emancipation through sport and nature, a model of health, courage and optimism for generations of women who want to conquer their own mountains.

More information about the two, at https://dinumititeanu.ro/