Nearly 500 students from the Republic of Moldova turned books into short films at the first edition of the National Book Trailer Competition

Around 500 students from the Republic of Moldova took part in the first edition of the National Book Trailer Competition, an initiative designed to promote reading through creative and digital tools.

The competition was organized by the Ministry of Culture, in partnership with the National Library of the Republic of Moldova, with the aim of stimulating interest in books and supporting creativity among young people. The most successful productions were awarded on National Reading Day.

The Challenge: Presenting a Book in 90 Seconds

Middle and high school students were challenged to create a video of approximately one and a half minutes, presenting the essence of a book in a compelling way. Participants focused on key moments and the atmosphere of the selected works, transforming reading into an engaging visual experience for their peers.

A Project with Greater-Than-Expected Impact

The Minister of Culture, Cristian Jardan, emphasized that the “Book Trailers” project was launched within a very short timeframe, yet managed to mobilize 477 students in less than two weeks, exceeding initial expectations. The official congratulated the participants for their involvement and enthusiasm, expressing confidence that young people represent the country’s future and a reason for optimism.

At the same time, the Minister noted that the initiative does not end with the award ceremony, encouraging students to maintain reading as a daily habit.

The National Library’s Message

The Director of the National Library, Elena Pintilei, encouraged young people to discover reading in all its forms, including audiobooks. She urged them to pass on their passion for reading, including through the creation of book trailers, considering this method one of the most effective ways to reach other young audiences.

Awards and Recognition

During the ceremony, eight prizes and 18 honorable mentions were awarded for the middle and high school categories, while all registered participants received certificates of participation. Students had the opportunity to compete individually or as part of a team.

Competition Laureates

First Prize in the middle school category was awarded to Mutruc Camelia, who created a trailer dedicated to the novel “Baltagul” by Mihail Sadoveanu, aiming to encourage other young people to discover the book. She described her participation as a valuable experience and thanked her coordinating teacher and family for their support.

In the high school category, Second Prize was awarded to a team of six students from the municipality of Chișinău, Codru town, for a trailer inspired by the novel “The Brothers Karamazov” by Fyodor Dostoevsky. The team’s coordinator, Sebastian Guțu, stated that the project required significant effort and dedication, including early-morning filming sessions to capture the desired scenes.

Expansion of the Competition

The State Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Marcela Nistor, announced that the next edition of the competition will also include a category dedicated to adults, thereby expanding participation opportunities.