In September 1911, at the Apollo Cinema in Bucharest, the Romanian public witnessed a historic moment: the screening of the very first Romanian film. The short silent movie, entitled “Fatal Love”, lasted only a few minutes but marked the beginning of an entire industry.

First emotions on the big screen

The director was none other than Grigore “Grig” Brezeanu, a 20-year-old visionary passionate about cinema, inspired by theatrical and cinematic experiences from abroad.

On the film poster stood two names that would later become legendary: Lucia Sturdza, a young actress from Iași, and Tony Bulandra, already known as the disciple of Constantin Nottara.

Not only did the two breathe life into the love story on screen, but they also began their own real-life romance, one that would last for over three decades.

Director Grigore Brezeanu’s Vision

Grigore Brezeanu was more than just a cinema enthusiast. At only 20 years old, with his hat tipped jauntily to one side and brimming with ambition, he dreamed of bringing cinema to Romania. His idea was bold: Romanian stories needed to be told on the screen, just like in Paris or Vienna.

For this, he needed strong personalities as actors. Lucia Sturdza, graceful and sharp-minded, was the perfect choice for the female lead.

On the other hand, Tony Bulandra brought with him solid experience, vast culture, and undeniable stage charisma. The two were cast together, and their meeting changed not only the history of Romanian cinema but also their personal destinies.

From screen romance to real love

Filming for “Fatal Love” took place in the summer of 1911, in several Bucharest gardens, such as those at Mitică Georgescu or Băneasa. After filming, the reels were developed at the Pathé headquarters on Carol Street by specialist De Bon.

Between Lucia and Tony, it was love at first sight. The on-screen chemistry quickly turned into a real-life bond, and the following year the two were married. Their love story, born with the very first Romanian film, became a symbol of how art and life intertwine.

The Public and Critics’ Reactions

Although the premiere took place with much fanfare on September 18, 1911, not everyone was convinced by the actors’ performances.

Contemporary press, such as L’Indépendence Roumaine, noted that the actors’ gestures were often exaggerated for the camera, as they were accustomed to the stage where movements had to be broader.

However, the audience’s curiosity and enthusiasm for the new art form turned the event into a success, even though the film itself has not survived to this day.

Marriage and a shared career

After their cinematic debut, the two actors continued to rise in the theater world. In 1914, they founded the Mărioara Voiculescu-Bulandra Dramatic Company, and later established the Modern Theater.

Lucia and Tony were partners not only on stage but also in everyday life. They rehearsed together, analyzed texts, and supported each other constantly.

Lucia Sturdza Bulandra later recalled that Tony never rehearsed loudly; instead, they would discuss in depth the meaning of the lines, and only when he felt secure would he recite them aloud.

Audiences adored them, and their shows were warmly received. Their passion and professionalism made them one of the defining couples of the Romanian interwar stage.

A separation imposed by destiny

Their marriage lasted 31 years, until the death of Tony Bulandra at the age of 62. For Lucia, the loss was devastating. She gradually withdrew from the spotlight, appearing only occasionally in performances.

Still, her love for the stage never disappeared. Lucia Sturdza Bulandra dedicated her later years to mentoring young actors, many of whom would go on to become icons of Romanian theater: Radu Beligan, Victor Rebengiuc, George Calboreanu, Dina Cocea, and many more.

The Great Tony Bulandra’s Legacy

Tony Bulandra was remembered by contemporaries not only as a talented actor but also as a man of elegance and poise.

The poet Tudor Arghezi wrote about him with great admiration, emphasizing the natural way he embodied his roles:

“He never seemed like an actor on stage: he was the character itself, whole and authentic.”

Today, the theater in Târgoviște bears his name, a testament to his lasting contribution to Romanian culture.

The fate of “Fatal Love” and Brezeanu’s legacy

Unfortunately, the film that marked the birth of Romanian cinema has not been preserved. Its fate is shared by other early productions, such as “String Yourself, Pearls” (Înșir’te, mărgărite), also directed by Brezeanu, which has been lost forever.

Nevertheless, Grigore Brezeanu continued to create and innovate. In 1912, he directed “The Independence of Romania” (Independența României), a large-scale production for its time that brought prestige to the national cinema. For his achievements, Brezeanu was awarded the Bene Merenti Medal, Class II.

Tragically, his life was cut short too soon. Illness and the hardships brought by World War I overwhelmed him, and in 1919, at just 28 years old, Grigore Brezeanu passed away.

First film ever made in Romanian cinematic history

The story of “Fatal Love” is more than a simple chapter in Romanian film history. It marks the beginning of an artistic tradition and the birth of a legendary love between Tony Bulandra and Lucia Sturdza, two actors who left a profound mark on stage and screen at the dawn of the 20th century.

Though the film itself has been lost, its memory lives on in that 1911 premiere, in the emotions of the actors, and in the dream of a young director who dared to write the very first page of Romanian cinema.

A love born on set and turned into a marriage lasting over three decades, a film that opened the path for an entire industry, and a director who, despite his short life, left an eternal mark—all of these make up the fascinating story of “Fatal Love”, the very first Romanian film.

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