ATLAS OF THE UNIVERSE

Romania, Bulgaria, 2026

85 min

Adventure

Director: Paul Negoescu

Screenplay: Paul Negoescu, Mihai Mincan

Cinematography: Ana Drăghici

Cast: Matei Donciu, Johanna Mild, Călin Petru, Sofia Marinescu, Marin Grigore, Andreea Grămoșteanu, Andrei Mateiu

Synopsis: 

Ten-year-old Filip travels with his father to the nearest town to buy new shoes for school. When his father gets sidetracked by an old friend, Filip is left to continue the journey alone. A simple mistake at the shoe shop – buying two right-foot shoes – sets him on an unexpected adventure through an unfamiliar world. Too ashamed to return home empty-handed, Filip decides to fix the problem himself. Along the way, he befriends a stray dog, names him after his favorite football player, and finds an unlikely companion. Through small choices, moments of fear, and quiet courage, Filip takes his first steps toward independence and growing-up.

Paul Negoescu

Born in 1984, Paul Negoescu studied film directing at the National University of Theatre and Film “I.L. Caragiale” in Bucharest. His short films have been selected at numerous international festivals, including Cannes (Semaine de la Critique - 2012), Berlinale (2008, 2009, and 2010), Karlovy Vary, and Rotterdam. Two of his shorts (“Renovation” and “Derby”) were nominated for the European Film Academy Awards in 2009 and 2011.

His debut feature, “One Month in Thailand,” premiered at the Venice Film Festival (International Critics’ Week) in 2012 and won the FIPRESCI Award at the Sofia International Film Festival and Best Debut at the Transilvania International Film Festival. His second feature, “Two Lottery Tickets,” an independent low-budget film, became one of Romania’s most successful box-office hits and was highly praised by festivals and critics. “The Story of a Loser,” his third feature, was distributed by Netflix in over 30 territories.