Moldova: EU-supported documentary ‘The Flower of Life’ offers visual journey through heritage on both banks of the Nistru River

From the end of December 2025, the documentary The Flower of Life is available to the public in the Republic of Moldova. 

The Flower of Life is a visual archive of thousands of traditional elements, from home décor to handmade lace. The title pays homage to a universal symbol – the Flower of Life – an ancient sign found from Ancient Egypt to the Carpathian region. 

The documentary is an OWH Studio production, made with the support of the European Union’s Confidence Building Measures Programme, implemented by UNDP Moldova.

Filming took place between 2019 and 2021. The film director Victor Maxian explored over a hundred localities on both banks of the Nistru River to capture various decorative elements.

“We managed to do something very important, to film as many decorative elements as possible, which, unfortunately, are being destroyed at an alarming rate,” Victor Maxian said. “Now, if anyone wants to decorate their space with elements inspired by the past, they will have this opportunity thanks to this film, which contains images from all districts and regions of the country.”

Beyond its artistic value, the film is seen as a tool for the development of rural tourism, providing concrete examples of how the local cultural heritage on both banks of the Nistru River can be reached.

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Press release