Hungarian animation introduces itself in Tehran
How were you invited to Iran?
More than two years ago, the Iranian partners initiated our collaboration. Their ambassadors asked me to introduce themselves at the Kecskemét film festival, and I was glad to fulfill their request. Our audience met Iranian productions for the first time then. The following year, I personally experienced the immense size of Iranian animation industry, including its merits. I got my invitation for this year’s festival during my last year visit.
How unique was the festival’s film selection?
It was incredibly diverse. The international jury had to watch 178 films, both of excellent and weaker quality alike. I think the pre-selection jury should have been more strict – then we could have avoided sitting in a screening room from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., separated from the audience. However, it is a sign of quality that the jury could only made the final decision after a long debate, reaching into 2 a.m. in the morning.
Were there any Hungarian films in the program, and among the awarded films?
They were featured, and performed greatly – even if we did not win a Grand Prix in any category.
What do they know about Hungarian animation in Iran?
They hold us in high regard, which is not only represented by my invitation. The Hungarian Academy of Arts organized an exhibition for the 100-year-old Hungarian animation, and Hungarian Media Patronage Programme contributed to the screening of Hungarian films – aside the competition. Also, professionals from Hungary were able to hold presentations, like István Orosz, Gergely Kucsera Tamás, Tamás Kollarik and György Ocskó. Even Tehran Times mentioned the success of István Orosz’s presentation.
How was the 1-hour Hungarian program received?
Every program of the festival drew a huge interest. Thus there is nothing exceptional about the popularity of the Hungarian screening. Though, it is strange that our films had to be selected according to Iranian moral standards, which are very strict compared to European ones. Scenes depicting physical love are not allowed to be screened.
What should we know about Iranian animation industry?
As I mentioned earlier, animation in Iran has grown to an industrial scale. It is typical that the national festival, simultaneously with the international festival, featured 360 films at its competitions, and 12 Iranian studios were merchandising their products. However, this is not surprising for someone who knows that Iran is a country of 80 million inhabitants, and the capital in itself has a population of 8 million.
Are Iranian films very different from European or American productions?
Not really. Their visual language follows Western trends, at least. They differ in showing much more blood and fight.
During the Kecskemét festival, not only African filmmakers introduce themselves, but Iran will be also present. What would you say to encourage the audience to watch the program?
Each culture has its own uniqueness, including Iranian culture. It is worth taking a look into this world, as it is impossible to see Iranian productions at other venues and forums. I tried to attract Hungarian film distributors into Iran, but none of them saw any business opportunity in it. So, we stick to Kecskemét. This is not a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; though a rare one. You should go for it.
