Below are some of the best Hungarian directors ever. Click on their pictures to discover more about them.
A Brief History of Hungarian Cinema
Hungarian cinema boasts a rich and diverse history, marked by remarkable innovation and resilience in the face of political and social upheaval. The inception of Hungarian filmmaking can be traced back to the early 20th century, with the first notable production being “A Táncz” (The Dance) in 1901. However, it was during the 1910s that the Hungarian film industry began to flourish, with Budapest emerging as a significant film production centre in Europe. The period between the two World Wars is often regarded as the golden era of Hungarian cinema, characterised by the rise of studios such as Corvin Filmgyár and the emergence of prominent directors like Michael Curtiz, who later found fame in Hollywood.
Post World War II, Hungarian cinema underwent significant transformation under the communist regime, leading to a phase of state-controlled film production. Despite the restrictions, this period saw the emergence of a new wave of filmmakers who skillfully navigated the political landscape to create films of deep artistic value. Directors like Miklós Jancsó gained international recognition during the 1960s and 1970s for their unique cinematic styles and thematic focus on issues like individual freedom and oppression. Jancsó’s innovative use of long takes and choreographed camera movements in films like “The Round-Up” and “Red Psalm” left a lasting impact on slow cinema.
In the post-communist era, Hungarian cinema experienced a renaissance, with filmmakers exploring a wide range of themes and styles, often reflecting the nation’s complex history and social dynamics. Contemporary directors like Béla Tarr and Ildikó Enyedi have garnered international acclaim for their work. Tarr’s “Satantango” and “The Turin Horse” are celebrated for their philosophical depth and aesthetic innovation, characterised by lengthy takes and a contemplative narrative style. Enyedi, with her magical realist approach, achieved critical success with “My Twentieth Century” and more recently with “On Body and Soul”.
Bronze Screen Dream 