At the end of this road, the Romanian candidate will enjoy a fully paid, once in a lifetime experience at The Roger Hatchuel Academy in June, during Cannes Lions, through the valuable support of INVIZIBILII.RO, alongside #TheAlternativeSchool.  

Until then, let’s give a well-deserved round of applause to Diana Cheivan (Student @METFILM School Berlin), Diana Neagu (Art Director @Leo Burnett) and Maria Ivan (Junior Art Director @McCann), the standout talents shortlisted in the Roger Hatchuel Academy competition, organized by #TheAlternativeSchool annually, since 2005. 

For the first time ever, this edition delivered a spectacular milestone - all three contestants achieved the maximum score, according to the eight esteemed jurors!

Well deserved congratulations are in order for everyone who embraced this challenge and tackled the brief with authenticity, depth, humor, and charm! With this step, they move closer to becoming bold, outstanding creatives, ready to shine on the international stage.

Maria Dragoi, Marius Penu, Maria Hodor, Daria Rojea, Anamaria Dica, Ioana Costinescu, next in the 2025 ranking, you're welcome to be part of our passionate learners & performers community!

What does the jury say about the applications?

“Fluid, catchy video, creative transitions, dynamic speech and an extremely funny ending. It grabbed my attention throughout. Very interesting collage of images and video extracts that talk about the author's story.“, said Doriana Marasoiu about Diana Cheivan's video.

“The video material is very dynamic, showcasing strong videography skills and well-integrated narrative techniques. The idea of having a dialogue with the child of the past reflects a unique perspective; it’s original, memorable, and highly relevant to the hashtag #RomanianTalent,“ commented Bianca Cheregi on Diana Neagu's application.

“Intelligent speech, fluidity, and narrative magnetism, with a great vibe,“observed Elis Popescu in Maria Ivan's application.  Eduard Dica added: “Her background is relevant for #RomanianTalent.“

What are thoughts of the shortlisted?

“Being selected for the Roger Hatchuel Academy is an incredible honor, not just as a filmmaker, but as someone deeply committed to using storytelling as a tool for change. My entire career as a director will be dedicated to fighting for feminism and talking about real women's experiences. Film has the power to shape perspectives, and I want my work to be a force for progress. This opportunity at the Academy is an important step in that journey, allowing me to explore how creativity and communication can drive social change. I can't wait to learn, grow, and use this experience to fuel my vision for a more inclusive future in cinema,“ said Diana Cheivan.

“I was very close to not submitting, thinking I have no inspiration or that I’m not good enough for this, but then I remembered what my dad used to tell me “wanting something really badly means half of the job is done” and once I sat down at my desk, ideas started flowing down. It is a big lesson for me to overcome the little gremlin voice in my head. So in the end I am proud not only to be shortlisted but also to be surrounded by these talented ladies with whom I share this honour,“ Diana Neagu.

“Hearing the words. Realizing their meaning. Feeling joy. Thinking “Aaaaaaaaaah! I’ve got shortlisted!”. The news came alongside a large smile, an intrinsic eye spark, and a reminder that the world needs the wildly optimistic. The Roger Hatchuel Academy Shortlist comes as one step closer to delivering back to people something that brings added value to the world through positivity, connection, expression, vibrance, effervescence, joy, blast, life ...creativity. It’s loading“, commented Maria Ivan.

If curious to discover past RHA winners, their applications and their stories, check the dedicated RHA page, to have a taste.

What’s next ?

Submissions for the Roger Hatchuel Academy scholarship are now closed, but we’re excited to welcome more incredible, talented candidates for the 2026.

If interested in RHA drop us a line and simultaneously follow our social media for news, there are always goodies to be discovered.

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