Hungary and France: new film production cooperation deal

The Hungarian Minister of Human Capacities, Zoltán Balog and the French Ambassador in Budapest Roland Galharague signed a Hungarian-French intergovernmental movie production cooperation deal in the Hungarian capital.

According to a statement by the Ministry, Zoltán Balog said at the signing ceremony that "the agreement allows for a higher number of domestic movie productions to be completed in both countries. Based on this agreement, co-productions will enjoy every benefit and support available for domestic productions.”

He added that this agreement is the outcome of a three-year preparatory work, adding that the last agreement of this kind between the two countries was concluded in 1970. He also mentioned that bilateral cooperation in this field has an almost 100-year history, and that “there certainly was a lot of mutual inspiration, and the renowned French New Wave in movies had brought about a renewal of Hungarian filmmaking.”

Mr. Balog also said that László Nemes Jeles, Director of thisyear’s Cannes Grand Prix winner “Son of Saul” acquired the bulk of his professional education in France; a clear indication of the fact that cooperation between the two countries can be extremely successful.

Ambassador Galharague said that in France, Hungarian movies are highly appreciated. As examples, he mentioned the works of Miklós Jancsó and Béla Tarr, adding that the Son of Saul will shortly be featured in French cinemas as well. He also said that the new agreement could boost the diversity of auteur films as well.

He added that “with this cooperation, the risks inherent in filmmaking can better be shared among the two parties as well as any other third participants, while it is also a testament to the high level commitment of both countries to cultural diversity".