Interview with Ferenc Grunwalsky

Ferenc Grunwalsky about the current status of the Hungarian cinema

What can you say about the year 2006 from the point of view of the Hungarian cinema and the Motion Picture  Public Foundation of Hungary?

Ferenc Grunwalsky: There was an exceptionally high number of films made in 2006. Besides of the feature films, 12 television works, 56 documentaries, 35 scientific-documentaries, 16 short films had been granted support by the Motion Picture Public Foundation of Hungary. 2005 was a productive year with some real hard work involved. We worked “ahead”, there are many things which will only have results in 2007. Nevertheless, we can be sure that at least 15-16 feature films will be finished by the Film Week next year. The Motion Picture Foundation of Hungary is not simply a machine allocating funds but an important intellectual and professional centre of the Hungarian cinema and film production as well. Its activities, allocation system and the priorities of its functions give guidelines to the profession and have fundamental impacts on the processes within. It is the repository of the unity feeling of the profession and the representative of their interests.

What is the reason do you think that an increasing number of films are presented at the film weeks?

FG: The high number of entries is due, first of all, to three things. There are films which received support 3-4 years ago first, which means that their opening this year was preceded by a very long production process. The number of films produced in 2006 was also increased by the films which won support at the special tender for films about 1956 initiated by the 1956 Memorial Committee. There are other films which were made with simple technical solutions and on a budget much lower than that of an average Hungarian film. It is important to mention that not all the films produced had been supported by us. 30 feature films were entered into competition this year, that is why, for the first time this year, the Board of the Film Week decided to introduce pre-selection even in this category while in the other categories pre selection is a long established process. 150 documentary, 30 popular-scientific and 120 experimental short feature films have also been entered into competition.

Some Hungarian films were rather successful abroad last year. They participated in the Sundance Festival, there were 4 films in Cannes, we had a feature film in Locarno and Venice again, and Before Dawn won the European Film Award.
What is your opinion about this successful year?

FG: First of all it is the strong young generation of Hungarian filmmakers that have made themselves known in the world thus making the Hungarian film more popular as well. Our continuous presence at the international festivals, work-shops and coproduction forums helps filmmakers to gain opportunities to use joint European efforts in producing their new films. We must join the cultural cooperation where international efforts are indispensable and essential for all European participants. In the field of production a certain kind of cooperation can already be observed, but it is an important and mutual task for all of us to make sure that European films reach their audience beyond the borders as well. Besides further developing cooperation in production, Hungarian cinema has to reach the territories beyond its borders as regards distribution as well. More and more Hungarian films should reach the television channels and the theatres of Europe.

There are many young talents who have recently achieved important recognition. How does the Motion Picture Foundation of Hungary support them?

FG: It has been a long standing tradition to support young talents. It has never been a problem of generations. Every generation does its best and represents itself at the Film Weeks. It has been part of our strategy to support young filmmakers which also meant taking some risks. By making short films and demos, the Foundation helps young people to reach festivals, make themselves known and thus be able to join the bloodstream of the international cinema profession.

After 2006, a year rich in high viewer numbers and international awards, what do you expect for 2007? What financial possibilities does the Motion Picture Foundation of Hungary have?

FG: We have to count with a 30% decrease of government support in 2007. The new, four year contract is a guarantee that the minimum does not have to be renegotiated. This is a new feature, which gives us more room for action. Our main task is to work out new forms of application. Our impetus must not decrease. We have never been looking on idly at the situations forced by circumstances. We have constantly changed the conditions of application, management, monitoring accounting as well as the system of supervision. We have worked out a producers’ system and bank financing. We have also been able to make the profession accept the above. That is how a public image has been formed according to which the cinema profession is far ahead of all the others not only because of its stubbornness and endurance but also with its recurring ideas of reform. If possible, we intend to further develop this quality.

How will the launching of the new studios affect national film production?

FG: The various film studios have different profiles, they are open to cooperation and since they have different technical backgrounds and systems of contacts they will be able to complement well one another. The newly launched film studios may give a boost to services work, can increase opportunities for coproductions and provide more work for professionals in Hungary. An indispensable task to achieve that is the training of young professionals. The majority of the old professionals have grown old or found other jobs in the “lean years”. There is a thin layer who has been able to work in commercials and one or two large scale features, but the average did not work on international productions, does not know their conditions and the modern technology they use. That must be changed.

What do you expect from the 38th Hungarian Film Week?

FG: Like every film week, the one this year can also prove that there is a wide selection, young and not so young filmmakers can show their films and every layer and viewer can find the film he is looking for. Of course, you can never predict for certain which film will be the greatest hit. What is still missing is the commonly agreed program with television channels which could make sure that not only the feature films would be screened on them but also Hungarian series, adaptation of literary works and what is especially missing, children’s films would be made. We need a unified and coordinated media activity in order that the films opened at the film week could find their audience afterwards as well.

Kata Olah
Source: mmk