Films & Schedules - HUNGARY

Following the failed 1956 Hungarian Revolution, the Soviet-appointed prime minister—a very paranoid János Kádár—orders that each and every national security office’s loyalty be tested according to new and rigorous directives. András supervises a network of civilians spying on their neighbors and coworkers. But little does he know that the government is now monitoring him as well. His superiors have chosen Christmas Eve to implement “the exam,” a procedure designed to challenge an agent’s loyalty without his or her knowledge. The problem with finding surprises is that you may find surprises. Bergendy’s sardonic thriller twists and turns through a world where...

Following the failed 1956 Hungarian Revolution, the Soviet-appointed prime minister—a very paranoid János Kádár—orders that each and every national security office’s loyalty be tested according to new and rigorous directives. András supervises a network of civilians spying on their neighbors and coworkers. But little does he know that the government is now monitoring him as well. His superiors have chosen Christmas Eve to implement “the exam,” a procedure designed to challenge an agent’s loyalty without his or her knowledge. The problem with finding surprises is that you may find surprises. Bergendy’s sardonic thriller twists and turns through a world where nothing can be taken for granted and personal loyalty is subservient to survival. (89 mins.)

Filmography: Stop Mom Theresa! (04)

Winner of the New Directors Prize at the Chicago International Film Festival.

FILM REVIEW

Interests: Narrative Feature, History.

This year’s Hungarian submission for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar chronicles the final days of a Romany family living in a provincial Hungarian backwater. Hoping to reunite with their father in Canada before the ethnic violence that has recently claimed many neighbors’ lives finds them too, time is growing short as the authorities turn a blind eye to the persecution. Fliegauf blends neo-realistic elements—the actors are non-professionals recruited from local villages—with atmospheric sound design and expressionistic use of music. “The film’s three leads are tracked by a roving camera in a naturalistic style reminiscent of Gus Van Sant’s Elephant;...

This year’s Hungarian submission for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar chronicles the final days of a Romany family living in a provincial Hungarian backwater. Hoping to reunite with their father in Canada before the ethnic violence that has recently claimed many neighbors’ lives finds them too, time is growing short as the authorities turn a blind eye to the persecution. Fliegauf blends neo-realistic elements—the actors are non-professionals recruited from local villages—with atmospheric sound design and expressionistic use of music. “The film’s three leads are tracked by a roving camera in a naturalistic style reminiscent of Gus Van Sant’s Elephant; as in that film, the mundane is contrasted with the horrific, here highlighting the ingrained nature of racism and the isolating effects of poverty.”—Sydney Film Festival (86 mins.)

Selected Filmography: Forest (03), Milky Way (07), Womb (10)

Winner of the Jury Grand Prize at the Berlin Film Festival.

FILM REVIEW

Interests: Oscar Submissions, Narrative Feature.