Exploring the History of the Hungarian Film Industry: A Documentary Online
“The Lost Hungarian Films” – a Documentary Unveiling the Tragic Story of the Hungarian Film Industry
The National Film Institute – Film Archive has released a documentary film for free on its YouTube page, titled “Lost Hungarian Films.” The film chronicles the tumultuous 120-year history of the Hungarian film industry, highlighting the tragic fate of destroyed films and the ongoing quest to rediscover long-forgotten works.
The documentary sheds light on the early challenges faced by Hungarian cinema, including the flammability of nitrocellulose film reels, which led to several devastating fires during the silent film era. Even the reels that survived were not safe, often being recycled due to their precious silver content, resulting in the loss of many films. The destruction continued in film studios, where machinists would often cut out scenes they liked, putting numerous films at risk.
The film also highlights the important role played by film studios such as Jenő Janovics’ workshop in Cluj-Napoca (Kolozsvár, Romania), where renowned directors like Michael Curtiz (Mihály Kertész) and Alexander Korda (Sándor Korda) began their careers. Regrettably, many of their early works have also been lost.
The arrival of sound film marked a pivotal moment in the appreciation of films and the need for their preservation. However, the absence of proper film archives led to the loss of over 90% of Hungary’s silent films, including the very first Hungarian silent film, “The Dance” (1901).
The documentary also delves into the challenges faced during and after World War II, particularly the tragedy of films stored in wine cellars during the war and the impact of political censorship.
Hungarian films have been circulated globally since the 1910s, raising hopes that valuable pieces from overseas archives and legacies may resurface. While inadequate storage of nitrate raw material poses a threat to old films, digital technology and databases now make it possible to identify fragments more effectively.
The documentary emphasizes the significant contribution of film archives in preserving Hungarian cinematic heritage, with the Film Archive’s collection growing from just 12 Hungarian silent feature films to almost 70, thanks to extensive international cooperation.
Directed by Enikő Löwensohn and produced by Barnabás Weisz, “Lost Hungarian Films” features animation by Botond Lelkes, with screenwriting by Enikő Löwensohn and Evin Hussein. The documentary is narrated by Barbara Hegyi and produced by György Ráduly.
The documentary brings to the forefront the extraordinary story of Hungarian cinema and the ongoing efforts to reclaim and preserve the lost treasures of the country’s film industry.
