The Movie That Will Change Your Perspective on Therapy Coming to Cinemas on November 22

The Secret of Pin-Up Island is a psychological fairy tale that explores the journey of healing, self-discovery, and confronting past traumas. Written and directed by Alecs Nastoiu, the film delves deep into the challenges of mental health, using innovative storytelling and visual techniques to create a thought-provoking cinematic experience.

The movie will begin its theatrical release on November 22, 2024, across 60 cinema theaters in 36+ cities in Romania and Moldova. Having already made waves by winning the Best Production Design award at the 49th edition of the Boston Sci-Fi Film Festival and premiering at TIFF Romania in June, The Secret of Pin-Up Island is now set to captivate a broader audience.

At the heart of the film is Rina Gri’s compelling portrayal of Alesia, the main character who grapples with past traumas and embarks on a journey to reclaim her mental health. Rina Gri brings a powerful and emotional performance that navigates the depths of Alesia’s internal struggles, blending reality with a surreal, dreamlike world. Her portrayal beautifully captures the complexity of battling inner demons, delivering a heartfelt and relatable exploration of mental illness.

The film introduces a groundbreaking concept: an AI-driven therapy that guides women on a virtual journey through their subconscious. Alesia’s journey in the film is both an exploration of her mind and a metaphor for the universal struggle against mental illness, where fantasy and reality blur, and confronting inner demons becomes the key to healing.

Director Alecs Nastoiu explains the inspiration behind the film:

“When I began creating this film, the idea that stuck with me was: What if therapy could be done through a point-and-click video game? What if healing could feel like solving a puzzle? The point-and-click format invites players to interact with the environment by clicking on objects and characters to solve puzzles and progress the story. This concept ultimately shaped the narrative of the film, designed to follow the principles of psychotherapy, making it an authentic yet creative depiction of mental health treatment.”

The director also speaks to the film’s larger purpose:

“This film not only raises awareness about mental health but also encourages people to start listening. To be patient, to be present, and to truly hear the stories of those around them. After all, not all battles are fought in the real world—some take place in the depths of the mind. The Secret of Pin-Up Island is a reminder of that, and my hope is that it sparks conversations and offers a bit of hope to anyone who might need it.”

The trailer for The Secret of Pin-Up Island is now available and gives a glimpse into the captivating world of Alesia’s journey, blending a psychological narrative with rich, imaginative visuals. The full release is highly anticipated as the film looks to challenge audiences’ perceptions of therapy and mental health through its unique storytelling approach.

The Secret of Pin-Up Island – In cinemas from 22nd of November 2024!

A psychological fairy tale that will change your perspective on therapy.

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21949976/?ref_=nm_flmg_knf_t_1

Film Rating: General Audiences

Genres: Psychological, Fantasy, Family

Runtime: 107 min

Language: English

Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1

Film Color: Color

Country of Origin: Romania

Country of Filming: Romania

Release Date: November 22, 2024

Cast: Rina Gri, Ivy Chumley, Lora Djurovic, Beatrice Rubica, Carina Samartean, Ioana Cheregi, Theodora Popa, Anca Loghin, Larisa Dobrin, Alexandra Pater, Cosmina Lirca, Oana Maria Dragne, Georgiana Teleman.

Writer: Alecs Nastoiu

Director: Alecs Nastoiu

Director of Photography: Lulu de Hillerin

Production Manager: Ovidiu Vasu

Production Designer: Corina Florescu

Costume Designer: Agatha Vornicu

Make-Up: Ivona Velicu

Hair: Larisa Man

Editor: Bogdan Orcula

Music: Marco Fregonese, Manuel Gereon

Sound Design: Aleksey Klimas

Color Correction: Bogdan Jugureanu

3D Animation: Lucian Tiganus

CG Artist: Alexandra Sabrina Vulpe

VFX Supervisor: Alexandru Balta

Motion Graphics: Andrei Paun

Production Companies: GAT Transilvania Films

Co-Production Companies: Studioset, Retina Film Production, Grizzly Entertainment, Happy Days Studio, Chromatique, Cinepal.

Producers: Ovidiu Vasu, Rina Gri, Alecs Nastoiu

Co-Producers: Sorin Baican, Alexandru Balta, Lulu de Hillerin, Ovidiu Ungureanu, Ovidiu Gramesc, Ovidiu Halmagean