Zaharia Cușnir (1912-1993) was an amateur Moldovan photographer who captured rural life in Soviet Moldova between the 1950s and the 1970s. His work, which was discovered in an abandoned house in 2016 by film student Maxian Victor, offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the lives of villagers during a transformative time in Moldovan history. Cușnir’s photos document everything from community ceremonies like weddings and funerals to daily life scenes, all taken outdoors under natural light. His subjects were often caught in candid moments, reflecting both the spontaneity and simplicity of rural existence.

His extensive archive of over 4,000 negatives showcases a deep connection with his subjects and has been recognized for its historical and artistic significance. Today, his work is preserved and displayed in exhibitions in Moldova and abroad, with an online archive making his photographs accessible to the public.

Cușnir's photography is particularly notable for its balance of composition and natural candidness, capturing both the solemn and vibrant aspects of Moldovan village life during the Soviet era​