Cristian Mungiu’s Cinematographer Tudor Vladimir Panduru Breaks Down Long Takes on ‘Fjord,’ ‘R.M.N.’ at Jakarta World Cinema Masterclass

Cinematographer Tudor Vladimir Panduru discussed his work with Romanian director Cristian Mungiu and other filmmakers at a Jakarta World Cinema masterclass. He explained how long, uncut shots put performance at the centre of production and how his visual approach adapts to each story.

Panduru said Mungiu’s scenes can require 20 to 40 takes, as the crew waits for the performances and other elements to come together. The session examined a 20-minute town-hall scene in *R.M.N.*, filmed at night despite appearing to take place during the day, as well as shots from *The President’s Cake* and *Fjord*. Panduru said he chooses projects through shared values and affinities.