Hungarian Film Festival

Powerful narratives, memorable characters, and masterful storytelling...

Date: 8 November - 10 November

Time: 18:00

Venue: Liszt Institute Brussels
10 Treurenberg, 1000 Brussels

Powerful narratives, memorable characters, and masterful storytelling...

Experience the magic of Hungarian cinema at the Hungarian Film Festival in Brussels, organized with the support of the National Film Institute of Hungary. This special cultural event, taking place from November 8 to 10, highlights Hungary's cinematic legacy and artistic achievements within the framework of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Hungarian cinema began with A táncz (The Dance) in 1901, marking the start of a rich and dynamic film history. Over the past 123 years, Hungarian filmmakers have made significant contributions not only in Hungary but across Europe and the world, many of them contributing to the cinema industry of Hollywood, showcasing innovative storytelling and a unique artistic voice that continues to resonate globally.

The festival offers a thoughtfully curated program that spans three days, inviting audiences to explore Hungary’s dynamic film history. From gripping historical dramas that delve into the past to romantic tales and modern adventures, the festival reveals the soul of the nation. The final day brings animation and comedy to the forefront, showcasing Hungarian creativity at its most imaginative.

Each film on the lineup opens a window into the cultural tapestry of Hungary, featuring powerful narratives, memorable characters, and masterful storytelling. Each screening presents an opportunity to experience not only cinematic artistry but also to gain a deeper understanding of Hungary's historical and social fabric.

PROGRAMME

8 November - 7PM

Semmelweis - HU, Lajos Koltai, 2023, drama, history, 124'

In Hungarian with English subtitles.

1847, Vienna. Ignác Semmelweis, the short-tempered but passionate Hungarian doctor delivers babies and carries out autopsies on a daily basis whilst looking for the cause of puerperal fever, the mysterious epidemic that decimates patients in the hospital. His boss prohibits him from conducting research into the subject and sends his right-hand man to cross him at every turn. He also threatens a young midwife, Emma Hoffmann, to spy on him. After a rocky start, the relationship between Semmelweis and Emma develops into a romance. When Semmelweis's friend gets wounded mid-autopsy and dies with the same symptoms as the women in labour, Semmelweis discovers the cause and prevention of childbed fever. Half of his peers discredit him, yet he carries on with the fight to prove his theory at all cost.

The screening will be preceeded by the lecture of Dr. Zsuzsanna Nagy, in the framework of the Day of Hungarian Science, from 6PM.

9 November - 2 PM

Merry-Go-Round / Körhinta, HU, Zoltán Fábri, 1955, drama, 90'

In Hungarian with English subtitles.

In a village subject to serious social change, young Mari Pataki, humble but promising farmer's daughter, is forbidden by her father from seeing her lover. All he cares about is farming, and making a fortune in the future. He decides to marry her off to another man, a co-farmer of his. 'Land marries land' he keeps saying, believing the old Hungarian farmers' law to be unchangeable. But the young lover is able to overcome all obstacles to win Mari's love.

Merry-Go-Round expresses with amazing poetic force the triumph of love over social expectations holding on rigidly to old traditions. This film, a great success at Cannes in 1956, started off Zoltán Fábri's stellar career.

One of the 12 Best Hungarian Films of All Time voted by the Hungarian Film Critics’ Association in Budapest.

9 November - 5 PM

All About the Levkoviches / Lefkovicsék gyászolnak, HU, Ádám Breier, 2024, dramedy, 85'

In Hungarian with English subtitles.

The generous but stubborn boxing coach, Tamás gets along well with everyone but his own son. They have not spoken since the boy, Iván moved to Israel and became religious in an orthodox community. When Tamás' beloved wife, Zsuzsa dies unexpectedly, Tamás agrees with his son that he can come and sit the Shiva in his house as long as he brings his grandson, Ariel with him. As past conflicts resurface, they embark on an unexpected journey of self-reflection and reconciliation. Father and son are not just obliged to face their old grievances during the one-week religious mourning but to help Ariel deal with his own grief and his obsession that grandma's spirit is still in the house.

9 November - 7 PM

Hadik - HU, János Szikora, 2023, drama, adventure, history, 105'

In Hungarian with English subtitles.

Hadik is a thrilling adventure set in 18th-century Europe, where Andras Hadik, a charismatic Hussar General, is tasked by Queen Maria Theresa of Austria with a dangerous mission. Alongside his fearless riders, Hadik sets out to raid the city of Berlin and teach King Frederick a lesson. As they journey towards their goal, Hadik and his men face countless challenges, including treacherous terrain, fierce battles, and unexpected betrayals. But with Hadik's unwavering courage and leadership, they emerge victorious and capture the city of Berlin. Filled with action, suspense, and heart-pounding thrills, "Hadik" is a movie the whole family can enjoy, a timeless tale of bravery and courage that will inspire audiences for generations to come.

10 November - 1 PM

Bubble Bath / Habfürdő, HU, György Kovásznai, 1979, drama, animated film, 80'

In Hungarian with English subtitles.

Zsolt, the shop window-dresser and misunderstood artist, flees to Anni, the colleague of his bride, on his wedding day. At the time, Anni is preparing in her rented room for her fifth entrance examination to the medical university. Zsolt persuades Anni to call his bride and tell her he has changed his mind, he won’t marry her… The unique work by György Kovásznai is for adults, it is an experimental musical with bold style that radically runs counter to Hungarian traditions of the cartoon genre.

10 November - 3 PM

Cat City / Macskafogó - HU, DE. CA, Béla Ternovszky, 1986, animated feature, adventure, 105'

In Hungarian with English subtitles.

This animated action comedy is a parody of many mainstream film genres (crime movies, sci-fi, horror, disaster films) and it also refers to specific films, mainly the James Bond series. Featuring cats, mice, and rats in the main roles, the protagonist is an anthropomorphic mouse secret agent named Grabovsky, who is sent to the city of "Pokyo" to get the secret plan of a machine which could save the mouse civilization from the evil cats.

It enjoys cult status among generations of Hungarians thanks to its evergreen visual and (above all else) textual gags.

10 November - 5 PM

Toldi - HU, Marcell Jankovics, 2022, animated feature, adventure, 108'

In Hungarian with English subtitles.

Animated version of the famous epic tale by János Arany published in 1846. Miklós Toldi, an impulsive stripling, commits a careless murder and is forced to go into hiding. He sets out for Buda to dazzle the king with his courage and daring, and he earns both the ruler’s mercy and a knighthood. The full-length animated feature follows Toldi on a journey full of adventures and intrigue between brothers, until young Toldi finally faces the great test, when he wins the recognition he has so long craved before the king.

10 November - 7 PM

Cat Call / Cicaverzum - HU, Rozália Szeleczki, 2023, romantic comedy, 92'

In Hungarian with English subtitles.

Fáni, 30, is trapped in a world of her own imagination: ever since a traumatic childhood experience, she has pictured the death of each man she finds attractive. To avoid these fantasies she chooses to be alone, focusing on her job as an architect.
But one day a new neighbour arrives, whose talking black cat starts courting her. Fáni falls for the mysterious creature, even though only she can hear him speak. She escapes reality to dedicate herself to this whimsical relationship, but it soon begins to turn destructive. The Cat uses Fáni more and more to his own advantage, alienating her from everyone and everything important to her. But her toxic journey with the Cat is also a journey into her painful past. Can she overcome her fears at last and see the real-life opportunities right in front of her?

Source: National Film Institute of Hungary.

Anna Ida Orosz

Anna Ida Orosz graduated from the Budapest Eötvös Loránd University with a degree in film theory and film history in 2011. She has worked as the animation specialist of the National Film Institute – Film Archive since 2012. She is a lecturer of animation history at the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design Budapest and is the co-founder and curator of Primanima World Festival of First Animations in Hungary. She has participated at numerous international film festivals as jury member and curator of retrospective animation film programmes.