ChewingChewing

by Steliana Rudco & Iurie Gandrabura

Moldova  |  2024  |  In development

Synopsis

Many people struggle to talk about their intimate lives, but where does this come from? This film brings together personal stories of Moldovans of different ages, genders and sexual orientation, including the journey of 29-year-old Stela who grew up in a typical religious household with many expectations from birth. Using extensive archives and access to the LGBTQ community, Stela goes on a journey to try and overcome the weight of inherited shame and asks if escaping into comfortable social bubbles is a viable long-term solution?

Biography

Steliana Rudco is a filmmaker, and producer, with a master’s degree in Human Rights and Multilevel Governance, a member of the LGBT+ platform in Moldova, and a feminist activist. lurie Gandrabura is a filmmaker and photographer with a background in journalism. He had a photo exhibition at Queer Cafe and curated a photography workshop for women, both in Chișinău. He is currently in post-production with a short fiction movie.Steliana and Iurie have already worked together to make a short film for the Queer Voices film festival.

Awards

Pitch@Moldox – Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival Award 2025, One World Romania Award – Civil Society Pitch 2026 (full participation seat)