Cane

This cane was an important prop used by Cosmin Nedelcu “Micutzu” in his role as the Merchant. A reinterpretation of Ion Creangă’s character from “Childhood Memories,” the Merchant is the main antagonist, a collector of watches in the fantastical world imagined by Mara, the film’s protagonist, symbolizing the relentless illness she battles in the real world. The cane was created by set designer Ana Gabriela Lemnaru.

“The Tree of Wishes: Childhood Memories” is a story that illustrates the magical journey of a young patient who manages to escape the suffering of an incurable illness. Mara, a 12-year-old girl, embarks on a fantastic journey filled with aspirations. She discovers a tree near a palliative care center that can transport her into her favorite story: “Childhood Memories” by Ion Creangă.
She enters the fantastical world of the village of Humuleşti, as it is portrayed in Ion Creangă’s most famous book: “Childhood Memories.” (copaculdorintelor.ro)

The journey back to memory lane is present through the significance of the object, the aid for old age, but also through the watch, introducing a type of magic at the simple sight of the object, which is again a direct link to one’s physicality. The book translated into film, Childhood Memories by Ion Creangă, is a very cinematic one, even if today’s kids won’t relate to it as much as the older generations. But its connection to heritage is tangible, poignant and full of emotions. – Sabina Ulubeanu, curator