Traffic is a gripping, genre-bending drama that blends heist thriller with politically charged social commentary. Inspired by real events, the film follows a group of Romanian migrants in Western Europe who, disillusioned by the harsh realities of exploitation and systemic inequality, stage an audacious art theft. But the heist is just the beginning. As they struggle with what to do next, their actions become a bold rebellion against the dehumanizing treatment they face. Set across Romania, Belgium, and the Netherlands, Traffic explores the clash of cultures in a globalized world, where stolen art becomes a symbol of defiance, resistance and survival.

Teodora Ana Mihai’s second feature, penned by Palme d’Or winner Cristian Mungiu, is a tragicomic yet powerful reflection on class, migration, and injustice. With irony and empathy, the film questions who defines value—of art, of people, of lives—and exposes the invisible boundaries between privilege and precarity. Traffic forces viewers to confront uncomfortable truths behind Europe’s polished façade.

Awards:

Warsaw IFF 2024 (Grand Prix)

Tokyo IFF 2024 (Grand Prix and Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role)

Sofia IFF 2025 (Balkan Film Award)