Filmed in Hungary: In the Land of Blood and Honey

Jolie and Pitt in Esztergom. Photo by Villy - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org

In the wake of the Balkan conflict numerous books and films came out chronicling what will hopefully be the last ethnic cleansing in Europe. The recently released Balkan-themed film, In the Land of Blood and Honey, was directed by UN goodwill ambassador and occasional film star Angelina Jolie. When misunderstandings and political maneuverings found the film barred from locations in Serbia and Bosnia, Jolie turned to Hungary for authentic-looking locations.

Filmed in 2011 in locations that included ever-changeable Budapest and the quaint, overlooked town Esztergom, the romantic drama chronicles an affair between a Serbian man and Bosnian woman who stood on opposite ends of the conflict.

photo by Gábor Bejó (artbejo) via Wikipedia Commons

Esztergom, an embattled town filled with historical significance and diverse architectural styles, was an excellent choice as a stand-in for the Balkan locations. It is a little-known fact abroad that Esztergom was the capital of Hungary from the 10th to the mid-13th century. As such, it is loaded with historic sights.  First and foremost is the Danube, which winds around Esztergom, separating Hungary from Slovakia. The best view is from the Basilica, situated on top of a hill in the center of town. The structure radiates history, and was such a prominent part of regional religious culture that Ferenc (Franz) Liszt wrote The Mass of Esztergom to commemorate its opening in 1869.

Further enhancing its appeal as a Balkan substitute, Esztergom has one of the few mosques in Hungary, and, indeed, an Orthodox church founded by Serbian settlers back in 1770. The Öziçeli Hacci Ibrahim Djami Mosque is 400 years old, and though small, gives an Ottoman feel to the cityscape. After the Turkish were driven from Hungary, it was used as a granary, before falling into disrepair (though the pictures indicate that it may have undergone a recent renovation).

photo by Imoti95 via Wikipedia Commons

Other stand-out locations of interest include the former synagogue (now a technical school), the ruins of the castle (bombed in WWII), and the historic streets of Víziváros (Watertown) which, combined with the hilly castle ruins, look very Balkan indeed. As an area that has been inhabited since the Ice Age, Esztergom has both archeological digs and classical architecture.

In the Land of Blood and Honey may have come and gone from the theaters, but Esztergom remains: a largely untapped location filled with historical intrigue and classical beauty.

Flatpack Films has many years of experience dedicated to offering expert servicing. It has brought the best of Hungary to countless brands, agencies, and production companies through its unique locations, exceptionally skilled crews, top of the line equipment and technical solutions. Backed by an impeccable track record, Flatpack Films has worked with world-class clients including Samsung, Samsonite, Toyota, Braun, Chivas Regal and many more - bringing their projects to life through a highly bespoke approach.