How to Research Hungarian Film

Hungarian cinema has had a tumultuous history, mostly due to Hungary's involvement in World War I and II. But filmmakers persevered, and as a direct result of the country's turmoil they were inspired to produce a truly remarkable catalogue of films.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Visit the Hungarian Film Industry website to get a feel for the artistic endeavors that are currently being pursued through film in Hungary. You will also find links to various articles and websites that deal with the progress of the film industry in the country.

2. Click on the link to the Hungarian Film Week website to view a list of this year's winners, read reviews of the featured films and participate in online discussions about the industry. The Hungarian Film Week Festival is an annual event that honors the country's best films, and has been doing so since 1969.

3. Watch some of the honored films beginning with a few of the classics such as "Twenty Hours," "The Round Up" and the 1981 Oscar winner for Best Foreign Language Film "Mephisto." The film journal "Kinoeye" has a great database on its website of Hungarian films complete with movie synopsis' and reviews.

4. Read John Cunningham's "Hungarian Cinema: From Coffee House to Multiplex" for a detailed and informative look at the progression of Hungary's filmmakers.

Tips & Warnings

• Online video retailers are a great resource for hard-to-find foreign films that your local video rental store doesn't carry.