Discovering the Cinematic Potential of an Industrial Relic at Hungary’s INOTA Festival.
zita kisgergely
An inaugural festival highlights why a 1950s-era power plant is such a popular filming location in Hungary.
Power plants are not usually what immediately spring to mind when hunting for atmospheric locations. But the Inota Thermal Power Plant, closed in 2001 and brought back to life by the INOTA festival 2023, is proving it has what it takes to be a cinematic goldmine.
That’s not entirely surprising for everyone. Nestled on the outskirts of a sleepy village, this industrial marvel has long been a go-to-spot for film crews seeking that perfect post-apocalyptic setting.
Photo by RandomPhotos1989 from Wikipedia
Architecturally, it’s an absolute gem of socialist-realism and represents one of the largest investments undertaken in Hungary in the 1950s. Dominated by a large building and three towering cooling towers, this sprawling industrial space could be an epic backdrop for your next European shoot.
And at just an hour’s drive from the capital, you can file it away as a Budapest film location just waiting to be captured for the right cinematic moment.
Credit: Adrián Zoltán, 24.hu
As for the festival, we’ve seen our share in Hungary over the years. But if you’re after entertainment with a backdrop of rusted machinery and crumbling walls heavy with apocalyptic feeling and shades of steampunk, then INOTA is just the ticket.
The festival makes superb use of the power plant’s decaying structures, originally built in the Stalinist era, with an impressive emphasis on sensory art experiences. The turbine hall and cooling towers are transformed by lighting techniques and displays to create a truly unique party venue with a post-civilization vibe.
Local as well as international audio-visual VJs and companies were on site with their shows, including Daniel Besnyõ. He was there with his latest project, the Secret Mapping Experiment, where images are projected onto buildings and industrial sites, providing a framework to reassess the space and architecture.
But INOTA Festival isn't just about the visuals. It's also a haven for electronic music enthusiasts, filling a void in Hungary’s music scene and offering a lineup that can hold its own on the European market. The stunning lightshows, art-installations and exhibitions complement the diverse array of techno performances, which clearly gain an extra layer of dark ambiance from the unusual location.
The festival's marriage of music and visuals, along with its unique industrial backdrop, provides an unparalleled experience for both filmmakers and festival-goers alike. It's a chance to witness the power of this Hungarian film location in action and see how it can elevate your next project.
Photo by RandomPhotos1989 from Wikipedia
Photo by RandomPhotos1989 from Wikipedia
The power plant is no stranger to being re-purposed. The decaying soviet-era aesthetic, slowly being reclaimed by vegetation, has been a popular filming location for projects filming in Europe. Since closing, it’s been used several times in tandem with other Budapest shooting locations.
The building’s current state metaphorically represents a deterioration of the once stark “worker’s paradise”, the soviet era and life behind the iron curtain. But perhaps it most evocatively portrays a cursed landscape forgotten by time, making it an ideal location for anything post-apocalyptic.
Photo by Christo from Wikipedia
Tellingly, scenes from Blade Runner 2049 were filmed here. It’s a testament to Hungary’s versatility in providing a wide range of filming options, from period to contemporary and sci-fi projects.
Learn about the festival and see more of the power plant here:
Flatpack Films has years of experience servicing international brands, agencies and production companies. Filming in Hungary is easy when relying on their knowledge of the market and ability to solve complex needs. They bring the best that Hungary has to offer in terms of 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.
Get in touch and learn more about Hungarian film incentives and film tax credits in Hungary and how Flatpack Films can bring your project to life through a highly bespoke approach.