Choosing the films for this year’s Hungarian Panorama section was no easy task; there was an overwhelming number of excellent films made in Hungary in the last year, but sadly not enough time to show them all. While we regret not being able to offer screen time for all of these films, we’re also very happy to have this problem, rather than a scarcity of quality films. We are optimistic, even based on one year of film production, that we might be seeing a new movement in Hungarian documentary films. This year’s lineup includes a number of important films, many of which (Granny Project, A Woman Captured, Easy Lessons, Nine Month War) achieved success at international festivals. These films touch upon a range of important topics with responsibility, sensitivity and talent: changes in the life of a refugee, modern-day slavery in Hungary, war in Ukraine, and three generations in three European countries. The directors take different approaches, and there are no common rules. The maker of A Woman Captured remains hidden behind her camera, uninvolved, until she steps out and helps. Nine Months War alternates between the perspective of the hero going to the front, the Hungarian family worried for him, and shocking amateur video taken by the protagonist on the battlefield. Granny Project is a personal statement wherein those behind the camera are also in front of it. Easy Lesson, On the Spot – Dance for Mengele, Don’t Stare at Me, KARMAS/Bagázs, and Your Name use more traditional tools. The latter three are about people left behind by politics: the poor, the disabled, the exploited, and those still willing to help them in this alienated world. When politics becomes the playground of criminals and profiteers there is less and less space for sensible action, and more and more people are deprived. However, sensible, caring acts are more important now than ever. There is always something that one can do—even in the most desperate situation, you can at least grab a camera and record, honestly, what is going on around you.

Báron György