Alina Șerban

Alina Șerban
Born
Alina Ioana Șerban

(1987-10-29) 29 October 1987
Bucharest, Romania
EducationI. L. Caragiale National University of Theatre and Film
Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
Occupations
Years active2006–present
Known for

Alina Șerban (born 29 October 1987), is an internationally acclaimed actress, playwright and theatre and film director. Her leading role in Alone at My Wedding, selected at the Cannes Film Festival and her performance in Gipsy Queen earned her multiple Best Actress awards. She also starred in the Venice-selected Housekeeping for Beginners. Her feature directorial debut, I Matter, marks her return to Venice as a filmmaker. A graduate of UNATC Bucharest, NYU Tisch School of the Arts and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), she is a Knight of the Order of Cultural Merit in Romania.

Early life

Alina was born in Bucharest, Romania, in 1987. Her childhood and adolescence were marked by instability and financial hardship, experiences that later influenced the themes of her artistic work.

When she was eight years old, her family lost their home. Several years later, following her mother's imprisonment, Alina spent a significant part of her adolescence in institutional care. These experiences heavily influenced her artistic perspective and her commitment to representing marginalized communities.

Education

The Romanian Students from Abroad Society titled her the “Best Romanian Student in the United Kingdom in 2011”.

Career - Theatre and playwriting


Alina's theatre work encompasses acting, playwriting and directing. Her work has contributed to the development of contemporary Roma theatre in Romania, and her plays have been presented internationally. As a writer and director, she has explored themes including autobiography, Roma identity, discrimination, migration and the history of Roma slavery.

Slumdog Roma and I Declare at My Own Risk

In 2009, Alina created Slumdog Roma, an autobiographical performance addressing survival, Roma identity and the structural effects of urban poverty. The project continued through Two Weeks, Maximum One Month, Maybe Six Years and was subsequently developed into Declar pe propria răspundere (I Declare at My Own Risk).

The production draws on diaries written by Alina during her adolescence. It follows a young Roma woman who grows up in a low-income community in Bucharest, spends part of her adolescence in institutional care and later pursues acting studies.

I Declare at My Own Risk was presented in several European countries and at academic and cultural institutions and events, including the RADA Festival, Tara Arts, the Romanian Cultural Institute in London, Harvard University, the International Roma Storytelling Festival and events organised by the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC). The performances were accompanied by discussions concerning the representation of Roma experiences in contemporary performing arts.

Home

In 2013, Alina wrote Home, which won the “Stories of London” playwriting competition organised by Rich Mix in London.

The play follows several immigrants living in London and examines migration, economic insecurity, racism, social invisibility and the search for identity and belonging. Alina also directed the production.

The Great Shame

In 2016, Alina wrote and directed Marea Rușine (The Great Shame), a play examining the history of Roma slavery in the Romanian principalities.

The production presents Roma slavery as both a historical subject and a source of transgenerational trauma. It combines historical documents, testimonies and contemporary perspectives on discrimination, bringing a subject that has often been absent from Romanian public discourse to the stage.

In 2018, The Great Shame entered the permanent repertoire of a Romanian state theatre. It was presented as the first play written, produced and directed by a Roma woman to be included in the permanent repertoire of a state theatre in Romania.

A French translation by Nicolas Cavaillès, titled La Grande Honte, was subsequently selected by Eurodram, the European network for drama in translation.

The Best Child in the World

Cel mai bun copil din lume (The Best Child in the World) is an autobiographical one-woman show written, directed and performed by Alina.

Combining autobiography with theatrical fiction, the production follows a young Roma woman confronting poverty, housing insecurity, institutional care and questions of identity. It addresses resilience, dignity and the effects of social marginalisation.

The project won the seventh edition of the 9G at TNB competition, organised by the National Theatre Bucharest. It premiered at the theatre's Sala Mică on 21 January 2022 and subsequently remained in its repertoire.

Film career

Alone at My Wedding

In 2018, Alina played the lead role of Pamela in Marta Bergman's feature film Singură la nunta mea (Seule à mon mariage; Alone at My Wedding).

The film was presented in the ACID selection at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.[2]

For her performance as Pamela, Alina received several international distinctions, including Best Female Performance at the Festival International du Film de Femmes de Salé, an Angela Award for Performance at the SUBTITLE European Film Festival and a special mention for performance at the Rome Independent Film Festival.[3][4]

Gipsy Queen

In 2019, Alina played the lead role of Ali in the German–Austrian feature film Gipsy Queen, written and directed by Hüseyin Tabak.

Ali is a single Roma mother living in Hamburg with her two children. As a young woman in Romania, she was trained as a boxer by her father, who later rejected her after she became pregnant outside marriage. In Germany, she works to support her children before discovering a boxing gym and returning to the sport.

Alina underwent intensive boxing training for the role, despite having no previous experience in the sport.

Her performance received four Best Actress awards, including Best Actress at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival and the Deutscher Schauspielpreis.[5] She was also nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 2020 German Film Award.[6] Alina also received the Mayor's Award at the 2020 Günter Rohrbach Film Prize for her performance.

Housekeeping for Beginners

In 2023, Alina was a member of the principal cast of Housekeeping for Beginners, written and directed by Goran Stolevski. The film was selected for the Orizzonti section of the 80th Venice International Film Festival. The festival's official programme listed Alina alongside Anamaria Marinca, Samson Selim and Vladimir Tintor in the principal cast.[7]

Documentary films

Through the Untold Stories Association, Alina has coordinated and directed documentaries centred on the experiences of young people who grew up in Romania's child-protection system.

I Am Vanessa

Eu sunt Vanessa (I Am Vanessa) is a documentary centred on a young woman who grew up in institutional care. It forms part of a series of documentary portraits created by Alina with young people who experienced the child-protection system.

The documentary premiered in 2022 alongside I Am Nicu as part of the “I Matter” Gala for institutionalised young people.[8]

I Am Nicu

Eu sunt Nicu (I Am Nicu) examines the protagonist's experience of institutional care and different aspects of his identity, presenting him beyond social labels associated with being Roma, gay and raised in the child-protection system.[9]

In an interview with PressOne, Alina described her documentary approach as presenting participants with dignity and avoiding the exoticisation of their differences.[10]

Good Things Do Not Come First

In 2024, Alina directed the short documentary Lucrurile bune nu vin primele (Good Things Do Not Come First). The film follows Florina, a young woman who grew up in institutional care and later became an educator at one of the residential centres in which she had lived.[10]

The approximately 17-minute film was produced as part of the Roma Power project, funded by the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC), and follows Florina's experiences from institutional care into adulthood.[10]

The film premiered at Cinema Union in Bucharest in February 2024.[11]

Letter of Forgiveness

In 2020, Alina made her debut as a fiction-film screenwriter and director with the short film Bilet de iertare (Letter of Forgiveness).

Based on a nineteenth-century story, the film is set during the period of Roma slavery in the Romanian principalities. It follows an enslaved Roma man and his relationship with two maternal figures in his life.

The film continues a theme previously explored by Alina in the play The Great Shame: recovering the history of Roma slavery and representing it from a Roma perspective.

Letter of Forgiveness received a Special Mention from the Romanian Days Short Film Jury at the 2020 Transilvania International Film Festival.[12]

In 2025, on the 169th anniversary of the abolition of Roma slavery in the Romanian principalities, the film was made available for a special online screening.

I Matter

Eu contez (I Matter) is Alina's first fiction feature film as a writer and director.

The film centres on Rebeca, a Roma teenager approaching the age at which she must leave the child-protection system. She places her hopes in her father's release from prison and in the possibility of having a family again.[13]

In 2026, the film was selected to have its world premiere in the competitive Venezia Spotlight section of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival.[14]

I Matter is a Romanian–German–Belgian co-production. The cast announced by the Venice Film Festival includes Denisa Farcaș, Sorin Mihai, Angelina Pavel, Vanessa Dancea, Raisa Mihai, Alexandru Stancu, Alina Berzunțeanu and Natalia Călin.[15]

Philanthropic work at Untold Stories NGO

In 2015, Alina founded the Untold Stories Association, a Roma-led, non-profit cultural organisation. The association emerged from a collective of Roma and non-Roma women brought together to examine and address issues affecting women, with a particular emphasis on the experiences of Roma women.[16]

Through theatre, film, storytelling workshops and artistic research, the organisation seeks to promote Roma culture and deepen public understanding of Roma history and lived experience. Its stated objectives include challenging discrimination, racism and gender-based violence, while providing a platform for Roma narratives that have historically been marginalised or excluded from mainstream cultural discourse.[16]

The association's projects have addressed subjects such as Roma slavery, transgenerational trauma, the mental health of Roma women, early marriage, violence against women and the experiences of Roma girls and other young people raised within the child-protection system.[16]

Work with children and young people

A substantial part of the association's work is dedicated to Roma and non-Roma children and young people from institutional care and other disadvantaged backgrounds. Its programmes combine storytelling, theatre, creative writing, film screenings, personal-development activities and financial education.

In 2022, the association received the National Cultural Fund Administration Award for Addressing Young Audiences with Limited Access to Culture for its project Noi suntem eroi – Ateliere de storytelling cu tineri instituționalizați (“We Are Heroes – Storytelling Workshops with Institutionalised Young People”). According to the National Cultural Fund Administration, the project provided approximately 400 people from disadvantaged backgrounds with free access to cultural activities. Thirty-four young people from two residential and day-care centres worked directly with Alina during storytelling workshops and subsequently presented theatre performances based on their experiences.[17]

The project contributed to the development of the annual Eu contez (“I Matter”) Youth Gala, at which participants present theatre, documentary films, music and other forms of artistic work. The third edition, held in 2024, featured work developed with 60 Roma and non-Roma children and young people from residential centres. Students from 20 schools also attended film screenings followed by discussions concerning discrimination, diversity and social inclusion.[18]

In 2025, the association organised Me sem sukar (“I Am Beautiful”), a programme comprising theatre and creative-writing workshops, film screenings and activities addressing bullying, cultural identity and social stereotypes. The initiative involved Roma and non-Roma young people from disadvantaged communities in Romania and the diaspora.[19] The association reported that more than 160 participants from eight locations—including Bucharest, Dâmbovița, Jilava, Călărași, Miercurea Ciuc, Iași, Ploiești and Paris—participated in 16 theatre and creative-writing workshops.[20]

Also in 2025, Untold Stories implemented the Momentul meu (“My Moment”) programme with support from Garanti BBVA. The initiative comprised seven personal-development and financial-education workshops held at the Casa Iosif and Marcellin centres, with approximately 30–35 young people participating in each session.[21]

Awards and recognition

2025

  • Dan David Prize, awarded for her work using theatre and film to foreground Roma history, culture and identity. She was one of nine recipients. [22][23]
  • Young Talents Award at the 18th Instituto de Cultura Gitana Awards in Madrid, recognising her international career and contribution to increasing the visibility of Romani narratives.[24]

2024

  • appointed a Knight of the Order of Cultural Merit by the President of Romania. The distinction recognised her artistic contributions and her work promoting Roma identity and combating racism and xenophobia.
  • Selected as one of the 44 leaders in the Young European Leaders program, led by Friends of Europe[25]

2023

  • Venice Film Festival, Queer Lion Award[26] for Housekeeping for beginners, which also represents Macedonia’s choice for the Oscars
  • Selected Alumni at Berlinale Talents, Berlin[27]
  • Untold Stories - Winner of Best Project Manager Award at ‘The Administration of the Romanian National Cultural Fund Gala[28]
  • Winner of “Best Producer of a Romanian short film Award” at Independent Producers Indie Film Festival (Romania, Bucharest)

2022

  • Winner of “Best Short Film” for Letter of Forgiveness at Ake Dikhea International Festival of Romani Film, Berlin

2021

  • Winner “Best Short Film” at Torino Short Film Market,[29] for directing I matter

2020-2021

  • 4 times Winner of Best Actress Award for the leading role in Gipsy Queen including Best Actress Award at the German Actors Guild Awards[30]
  • Best Actress Award at Nuremberg Film Festival[31]

2020

  • Alone at my wedding nominated to Best First Feature (Magritte du premier film) and Best Film ("Meilleur film"), Belgium

2019

  • Official recognition by the Romanian Government for excellence in her artistic work and promoting the Roma culture
  • Special Mention at Transilvania International Film Festival and Best Narrative Director Award at Female Voices Rock, USA for Letter of Forgiveness
  • Tajsa Roma Cultural Heritage Prize for “Alina Șerban’s artistic work and for her engagement in the activism for Roma rights” by The European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC)[32]
  • Winner of Best Actress at PÖFF Black Nights Film Festival for the leading role in Gipsy Queen[33]

2018

  • Recipient of Soros Art Fellowship[34]
  • Angela Award for Performance at Subtitle European Film Festival, Winner Jury Prize
  • Best Actress at International Women Film Festival of Salé for role in Alone at my wedding
  • Winner RIFF Jury Award Best Actress at Rome Independent Film Festival - for the leading role in Alone at my wedding[35]


Other projects

Year Title Role
2012-2013 WANNA KNOW A SECRET ? PERFORMER
2014 PERFORMER I DECLARE AT MY OWN RISK
2014 STREET CHILD WORLD CUP PERFORMER
2014 THE HOUSE PROJECT MACARENA
2015 RISK PERFORMER
2015 THE HOUSE PROJECT THE CLEANER
2015 ABOUT ME WRITER-PERFORMER
2015 ROMO SAPIENS MIA
2016 RISK PERFORMER
2016 THE GREAT SHAME MADGA
2016 I DECLARE AT MY OWN RISK ALINA
2016 ROMEO AND JULIET MERCUTIO
2016 THROUGH MY SKIN LEYLA

Cinema

Year Title Role
2015 "FAST TO KILL" KATHERIN MCKAY
2016 "SCRIS/ NESCRIS" GIUBERINA
2017 "GIPSY QUEEN" ALI
2018 Alone at My Wedding Pamela
2024 Housekeeping for Beginners

Television

Year Title Role
2007 THE LAST ENEMY - BBC SERIES NADIR
2008-2009 A STORY ABOUT THE GIRL PERFORMER
2011 CENSUS THE FRENCH WOMAN
2016 HOLOCAUST SORA
2018 DOING MONEY - TV MOVIE, BBC TWO LILY

References

  1. ↑ "Alina Serban, talentata actrita de etnie roma care darama prejudecatile britanicilor". Pro TV.
  2. ↑ "Alina Serban – Film Actress". Alina Șerban. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  3. ↑ "The Angela Awards". SUBTITLE European Film Festival. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  4. ↑ "Winner of the 17th edition "We" by Rene Eller. Special mention to Alina Serban for "Alone at my wedding"". Rome Independent Film Festival. 24 November 2018. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  5. ↑ "Alina Serban". Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  6. ↑ "Gipsy Queen". Deutscher Filmpreis (in German). Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  7. ↑ "Domakinstvo za pocetnici (Housekeeping for Beginners)". La Biennale di Venezia. 2023. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  8. ↑ "Gala Tinerilor Instituționalizați are loc luni la Cinema Muzeul Țăranului Român". G4Media. 14 November 2022. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  9. ↑ "Uneori, trebuie să lupți pentru povești". Scena9 (in Romanian). 8 December 2022. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  10. 1 2 3 "Interviu. Alina Șerban, regizoare: Eu însămi am fost în sistem. Mi-aș fi dorit să-mi spună cineva că asta nu mă face mai puțin om". PressOne (in Romanian). 2024. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  11. ↑ "Artivista Alina Șerban". Radio România Cultural (in Romanian). 7 February 2024. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  12. ↑ "Transilvania IFF 2020: The Winners". Transilvania International Film Festival. 2020. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  13. ↑ "Eu contez (I Matter)". La Biennale di Venezia. 2026. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  14. ↑ "Venezia Spotlight". La Biennale di Venezia. 2026. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  15. ↑ "Venezia Spotlight". La Biennale di Venezia. 2026. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  16. 1 2 3 "Untold Stories". Alina Șerban. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  17. ↑ "Premiile AFCN 2022". Administrația Fondului Cultural Național (in Romanian). 2022. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  18. ↑ "Alina Șerban prezintă o dublă premieră: scurtmetrajul de film documentar „La revedere, castelule!" și spectacolul „După rău, vine bine"". Zile și Nopți (in Romanian). 27 May 2024. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  19. ↑ "Jurnal românesc – 06.08.2025". Radio Romania International (in Romanian). 6 August 2025. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  20. ↑ "Proiectul „Me sem sukar" a ajuns la final" (Press release) (in Romanian). Asociația Untold Stories. AGERPRES. 5 August 2025. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  21. ↑ "Garanti BBVA supports education and empowers young people from vulnerable backgrounds through the "My Moment – 2025" project" (Press release). Garanti BBVA Romania. 3 March 2025. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  22. ↑ "Dan David Prize names 9 historians as winners of 2025 award". Associated Press. 10 June 2025. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  23. ↑ "Alina Șerban". Dan David Prize. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  24. ↑ "El Instituto de Cultura Gitana celebra en Madrid la XVIII Gala de Premios del Instituto de Cultura Gitana en el Día Internacional del Pueblo Gitano". Instituto de Cultura Gitana (in Spanish). 10 April 2026. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  25. ↑ "Friends of Europe selected the actress Alina Şerban among the 40 young European leaders of 2024". Agerpres.
  26. ↑ "'Housekeeping for Beginners' Review: A Delightful Dramatic Comedy About a Blended Family of Queer and Roma Outcasts". The Hollywood Reporter.
  27. ↑ "FNE at Berlinale 2023: Romanian Cinema in Berlin". Film New Europe.
  28. ↑ "Gala Premiilor AFCN". Administratia Fondului Cultural National.
  29. ↑ Vassilis, Economou (December 6, 2021). "The Torino Short Film Market announces its winners". Cineuropa.
  30. ↑ Alina Șerban - Best Actress Award at The Actors Guild Awards 2020. Retrieved 2024-04-21 – via www.youtube.com.
  31. ↑ Alina Serban - 'Best Actress' Award at Nuremberg Film Festival Turkey-Germany - Acceptance Speech - short version | 🎥 Actrița Alina Șerban, desemnată "Cea mai bună actriță" pentru rolul din pelicula "Gipsy Queen" (regia Hüseyin Tabak, Austria-Germania 2019) în cadrul... | By Alina ȘerbanFacebook. Retrieved 2024-04-21 – via www.facebook.com.
  32. ↑ "Alina Serban – winner of the 1st Tajsa Roma Cultural Heritage Prize". Retrieved 2024-04-21.
  33. ↑ "Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival 2019 - All Nominated Movies". www.kinoafisha.info. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
  34. ↑ "Soros Arts Fellowship". Open Society Foundations.
  35. ↑ "RIFF AWARDS 2018". Roma International Film Festival.
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