Wim Wenders Honored with FIAF Award in Budapest
Wim Wenders Honored with 2024 FIAF Award at Budapest Classics Film Marathon
Renowned filmmaker Wim Wenders was the recipient of the 2024 FIAF Award, presented as the guest of honor at the Budapest Classics Film Marathon held at the Uránia National Film Theater in the capital.
Hosted by the National Film Institute – Film Archives, a member of the international federation since 1955, the gala celebrated Wenders’ contributions to contemporary cinema and his efforts to preserve cinematic heritage for future generations.
Government commissioner Csaba Káel emphasized Wenders’ role in ensuring that the stories of the past continue to inspire future filmmakers. Káel highlighted the importance of preserving film heritage as a shared responsibility to sustain culture and pass on cinema’s rich legacy.
Each year, the International Federation of Film Archives honors a film personality who exemplifies the organization’s mission, and this year, Wim Wenders was recognized for his longstanding commitment to cinema history and heritage preservation.
Upon receiving the award, Wenders expressed his gratitude and emphasized the importance of film archives in preserving the art form for future generations. He underscored the significance of learning about film history as a way to teach broader historical lessons.
The award ceremony was followed by a screening of Wenders’ original film “A Trick of the Light,” shot with a 100-year-old camera, accompanied by live music from collaborator Laurent Petitgand at the Uránia National Film Theater.
Wim Wenders, a pioneer of the new German cinema and a significant figure in universal cinema, has received numerous accolades for his work as a filmmaker, photographer, and writer. His contributions to the industry have been recognized globally, with awards such as the Palme d’Or at Cannes and the Golden Lion at Venice.
The Budapest Classics Film Marathon, which took place from September 17 to 22, featured screenings at various venues across the city, showcasing a diverse selection of cinematic masterpieces.
Wenders’ recognition at the FIAF Award ceremony reaffirms his status as a luminary in the world of cinema and a dedicated steward of film heritage.
Via MTI; Featured image via MTI/Péter Lakatos
