Object Story
Novăceștii: An Animated Masterpiece from the Distant Past
In a corner of Romanian cinema, in the year 1988, a true animated gem was born – “Novăceștii”. Under the skillful direction of Constantin Păun and inspired by the 15 episodes of the renowned animated series of the same name, created between 1985 and 1988, this animated film became a visual fairytale.
The story unfolds in a universe liberally inspired by the richness of Romanian folk ballads, presenting the romanticized fate of Baba Novac, the captain of Mihai Viteazul’s army, amidst the fierce struggle against the Ottomans that marked the end of the 16th century in the Romanian Lands.
“Novăceștii” stands out as the first feature-length animated film with a historical theme produced by the “Animafilm” studio. Critics of the time embraced the film with enthusiasm, describing it as a “cinematic ballad of undeniable poetic value”. Throughout the animated canvas, history and folklore intertwine masterfully, and metaphors are skillfully placed, deepening the message and beautifying the tale.
In every frame, in every animated stroke, the passion for detail and the love for the story are imprinted. “Novăceștii” is not just a mere animation; it is a charming journey into a distant past, bringing heroes and legends to life in an endless dance between reality and myth. This film remains a visual testament to Romania’s cultural and artistic richness and the power of animation to transform a story into living art.
The photo from Novacestii reminded me of the old Arab warriors as they were drawn in the old paintings, same beard and clothes. As I have something for classics, I always love to watch the old animations, and follow the history of how this art developed over years. It’s not common to find more animated films outside the USA and Japan, so it’s good to discover hidden gems for Europe – Andrew Mohsen, curator