Hungary’s National Film Institute (NFI) has announced funding for four new documentary projects, each offering unique insights into sports, culture, and contemporary society. The films will cover a diverse range of subjects, including the personal journeys of Hungarian Olympic medallists, the impact of social media on public discourse, the artistic legacy of a master puppeteer, and the historical significance of Marian pilgrimage sites across Europe.
Since January 2020 the NFI has been supporting television and streaming documentaries through a competitive funding programme. At its most recent session, the institute’s Television Decision Board approved funding for four projects, which promise to engage audiences with compelling narratives on social, religious, and cultural themes.
One of the upcoming productions, Podiums of Paris! — ‘6 Gold, 7 Silver, 6 Bronze’, will showcase the personal stories of Hungarian athletes who secured medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Directed by Ildikó Kolozsi and András Árpád Novák, the documentary series will highlight the struggles, triumphs, and relationships between athletes and their coaches. The NFI has allocated 44.8 million forints to support this project.
Another documentary, Facebook Dictatorship, will examine the workings of the world’s largest social media platform through the lens of investigative journalism. Directed by Fruzsina Skrabski and Albert Czomba, the film follows a journalist as they uncover the ways in which Facebook shapes public discourse, controls narratives, and influences opinions. The documentary, backed by 49 million forints in funding, will feature personal accounts of individuals affected by the platform’s content moderation policies.
The life and work of renowned Hungarian puppeteer, director, and historian Géza Balogh will take centre stage in B.B. — The Puppeteer Balogh. Directed by Gyula Gulyás, the film will provide an immersive look into the world of puppetry, celebrating Balogh’s artistic contributions and his influence on generations of performers and audiences. The NFI is supporting the documentary with 17.26 million forints.
The final project, Mary Eternal, will explore the enduring role of the Virgin Mary in European culture, coinciding with the 2025 Holy Year. Directed by János Tari, the film will trace a pilgrimage through historic Marian sites, including Rome, Turin, Zadar, and Faro, while also sharing the personal stories of devoted believers. The documentary has received 61.65 million forints in funding.
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