Memory, Fearmongering, and Identity in Film

This chapter adopts a longitudinal analysis of post-communist Romanian cultural productions, examining the portrayal of the Securitate (the former intelligence service), its officers, and agents as central figures. Employing a cultural studies methodology, the research investigates film as both a reflection of collective memory cataloging the historical trauma caused by the Securitate’s intrusive surveillance practices and as an indicator of evolving perceptions during Romania’s democratic transition. The findings reveal a progressive normalization process aligned with democratic ideals and increasingly nuanced depictions of intelligence agents better depicting the reality versus incomplete perceptions.