Raisa Răzmeriță
Electing Ms Santa
In a remote Moldovan village, 42-year-old Elena, known locally as Santa Claus, challenges social and family conventions when she decides to run for mayor.
Elena is the beating heart of her remote Moldovan village. She cares for her farm and family, supports lonely elders, organises activities for children and, each year, dresses as Santa Claus to reward young volunteers. Despite her demanding responsibilities, Elena yearns for personal growth. She enrols in online courses, listening to lectures while milking the cow. Driven by ambition and a desire for change, she makes a bold move: she decides to run for local office in a male-dominated political system. Shot over seven years, the film follows Elena’s journey as she challenges the roles imposed on her and searches for meaning beyond the boundaries of home.
Elena is the beating heart of her remote Moldovan village. She cares for her farm and family, supports lonely elders, organises activities for children and, each year, dresses as Santa Claus to reward young volunteers. Despite her demanding responsibilities, Elena yearns for personal growth. She enrols in online courses, listening to lectures while milking the cow. Driven by ambition and a desire for change, she makes a bold move: she decides to run for local office in a male-dominated political system. Shot over seven years, the film follows Elena’s journey as she challenges the roles imposed on her and searches for meaning beyond the boundaries of home.
Eastern Neighbours Film Festival
The Eastern Neighbours Film Festival (ENFF) has been bringing audiences closer to the vibrant cinema of Eastern Europe since 2006. Each year at Filmhuis Den Haag, ENFF presents recent and powerful features, documentaries, shorts, and animations, often as Dutch premieres. The festival also offers panels, debates, and conversations with filmmakers and industry professionals.
Join us for the 18th edition from November 4 to November 8, 2026, and discover exceptional films with English subtitles. For the full festival programme, click here.