Cinematographer Tudor Vladimir Panduru examined the practical demands of long takes during a Jakarta World Cinema masterclass. Variety reported that filmmaker Benh Zeitlin moderated the session, which covered Graduation, R.M.N., Fjord and Hasan Hadi's The President's Cake.
Performance shapes repeated takes
Panduru said Cristian Mungiu often stages a scene as a single shot, keeping the camera unobtrusive so viewers can observe for themselves. That approach sometimes requires 20, 30 or 40 takes to bring every element together.
He described repetition as a search for synchronisation rather than simply a response to mistakes. Trust, sustained energy and performance remain central to the process.
A 20-minute R.M.N. shot places more than 100 people in one frame. Panduru explained how focus changes redirect attention and effectively reframe the scene without moving the camera. The apparently daytime sequence was filmed at night.
Different stories require different visual solutions
The President's Cake called for a different language suited to its children's-fairytale character. Natural landscapes encouraged more expressive movement using jib arms and wheels, techniques Panduru later used on Fjord.
For a Fjord family gathering that appears to unfold near sunset, the crew blocked exterior natural light to extend the available performance time.
Another shot follows Renate Reinsve from land into the sea. Panduru jumped alongside her, coordinating the movement while grips supported him in and outside the water.
He linked his choice of collaborators to shared values and subject matter. The session used the screened sequences to show how performance, light and equipment decisions work together in individual films.