February 2026 brings a quiet but powerful contender to the festival circuit. Nina Roza, the latest from Canadian director Geneviève Dulude-De Celles, premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival and immediately sparked talk. After her acclaimed debut Une colonie, expectations ran high for this sophomore feature. It delivers a thoughtful exploration of displacement without ever feeling forced.
The story follows Mihail, a Bulgarian-born art curator now settled in Montreal. Three decades after fleeing his homeland with his young daughter Roza following personal tragedy, he receives an assignment that pulls him back. A collector wants him to verify the authenticity of viral paintings by an eight-year-old Bulgarian girl named Nina. What starts as professional duty turns into an unavoidable confrontation with buried memories and unresolved grief. The film keeps its secrets close, letting tension build through subtle revelations rather than dramatic twists.
Plus Points
- Galin Stoev’s restrained performance anchors the film with quiet intensity.
- The mirrored relationship between Mihail’s past and Nina’s present creates emotional depth without heavy-handed symbolism.
- Dulude-De Celles captures the beauty and decay of rural Bulgaria with lyrical visuals.
- The score enhances moments of reflection without overpowering them.
Minus Points
- The pacing starts slowly, which may test viewers expecting quicker momentum.
- Some supporting characters feel underdeveloped, serving more as mirrors than fully fleshed individuals.
- The emotional payoff arrives late, requiring patience that not everyone will give.
Technical Aspects Cinematography stands out. The contrast between Montreal’s urban polish and Bulgaria’s rustic landscapes speaks volumes about cultural estrangement. Editing maintains a deliberate rhythm that matches the introspective tone. Sound design is subtle yet effective, letting silence carry weight during key exchanges. Performances across the board feel authentic, especially from the young actress portraying Nina, who brings innocence laced with quiet knowing.
Final Verdict Nina Roza rewards patient viewers with a sincere meditation on what home means after years away. It’s not flashy, but it lingers. Art lovers and those interested in immigrant stories will find much to admire. Recommended for anyone seeking thoughtful drama over spectacle. Worth catching at festivals or whenever it hits wider release.
