The inaugural Budapest International Film Festival (BIFF) opens this month with tantalizing films screening from around the world. 

A city as creative and vibrant as Budapest (and one where so much international filming takes place) deserves a film festival of its own. And following the closure of the long-standing Titanic International Film Festival a few years ago, a new one is finally picking up the baton: the Budapest International Film Festival (BIFF).

As reported recently in the Budapest Reporter, BIFF is being led by festival director Kristóf Horváth and creative director Bálint Szimler. The goal is to not only preserve the essence of the Titanic Festival, but to push beyond its legacy into new territory. Horváth elaborates:

 “We want to carry forward the spirit of the Titanic Film Festival, but with a new and daring approach. Our goal is to make Budapest come alive with diverse professional programs, off-site events, and parties. Even if you don’t go to the movies often, set aside this week to immerse yourself in films and shared experiences.”

Line-up of Films

The inaugural edition of BIFF promises a varied and exciting selection of films. Some highlights include:

• The Seed of the Sacred Fig

Germany’s Oscar submission, a social drama by exiled Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof. It explores the dangerous conflict between state authority and individual freedom in an oppressive society.

• I Saw the TV Glow

A standout queer coming-of-age story from the illustrious gang at A24, co-presented by Telex Filmklub.

• The Human Surge 3

An unconventional piece by Argentine filmmaker Eduardo Williams which challenges traditional storytelling by continuing the narrative of a non-existent franchise.

• All We Imagine as Light

A film about the friendship between three nurses in present-day Mumbai. It was the first film from India since 1994 to compete in the main competition of Cannes this year and won the Grand Prix.

• The Brutalist

A UK-US co-production filmed in Hungary about a Hungarian immigrant architect in the US post WW2. Directed by Brady Corbet, you can read more about the film here.

• Kneecap

A biographical drama about a Belfast hip-hop group which features the band playing themselves alongside Michael Fassbender. It blends music, rebellion, and cultural resistance.

Celebrating the Past

BIFF will also feature a retrospective celebrating the 100th anniversary of Buster Keaton’s Sherlock Jr. and explore the detective genre's evolution in cinema. Four films spanning different eras will showcase how film language and narrative forms have evolved over the decades.

Festival Details

BIFF will take place at Corvin Cinema in Budapest from October 29th to November 3rd, showcasing 20 international films. See links below for the full lineup.

Sources & Further Info

Budapest International Film Festival

The Budapest Reporter

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