Rediscovering Hungarian cinema: ‘After Death’ premieres at Lumière Festival
The return of a lost silent film classic
A remarkable event is set to take place at the Lumière Film Festival in Lyon — the premiere of ‘After Death’ (or ”A halál után“), a 1920 Hungarian silent film once thought lost to history. Thanks to a meticulous restoration effort led by Hungary’s National Film Institute (NFI), this rare gem will finally be shown to an eager audience.
A cinematic resurrection
The only surviving copy of ‘After Death’, directed by Alfréd Deésy, was unearthed in Belgium’s Royal Film Archive. Deésy, a pioneer of Hungarian cinema, skillfully blended eroticism and crime thriller elements, captivating audiences in the early 20th century. This restoration was a collaborative triumph involving Belgium, Hungary, and France, and was supported by the EU’s Creative Europe MEDIA program.
But how exactly did this hidden treasure resurface?
The hunt for Hungary’s “Most Wanted”
‘After Death’ is one of several films on Hungary’s “Most Wanted List”, an initiative launched in 2021 to recover early Hungarian films that had disappeared over the years. To date, about a dozen such films have been located and restored. Among them, the film ‘The Dance‘ (“A Táncz“), dating back to 1901, stands out. ‘The Dance’ is considered Hungary’s first film, showcasing mesmerizing performances by Hungarian dancers. It’s believed that this film was split into parts, with fragments still stored in various locations.
Unearthing another treasure: ‘Spring in Winter’
Another significant discovery in recent times is the 1917 film ’Spring in Winter‘, directed by Michael Curtiz, who was known as Mihály Kertész before his Hollywood career took off with classics like ‘Casablanca’. This film, found in the U.S. Library of Congress, was a serendipitous discovery. NFI Film Archive Director György Ráduly shared the story of this unexpected find at the Budapest Classics Film Marathon.
Restoring cinema: A labor of love
These rediscoveries are part of a broader endeavor by the NFI to track down and restore missing films that vanished due to Hungary’s 20th-century turmoil, which included wars, shifting borders, and significant emigration. Ráduly emphasized that, at the time, film preservation wasn’t prioritized; films were viewed as mere entertainment, and the nitrate reels’ flammability and high storage cost led to many being destroyed or lost.
Since 2017, the NFI has been digitizing and restoring these classics. The aim is not just preservation but also making these films accessible to a wider audience. The NFI has been proactive in reintroducing these films through cinema screenings, television broadcasts, and streaming platforms like Filmio.
The power of international collaboration
The successful restoration of these films has been possible through extensive international collaboration. The NFI has forged partnerships with U.S. distributors, including Deaf Crocodile, Arbelos, Kino Lorber, and Criterion, alongside companies in Spain, Italy, and France. This global cooperation is vital in ensuring these cinematic treasures reach a broader audience.
Ráduly highlighted Hungary’s significant yet often overlooked contribution to world cinema. Many influential filmmakers, such as Michael Curtiz and Alexander Korda, began their illustrious careers in Hungary, underscoring the nation’s deep-rooted connection to global cinema.
Reflecting on Hungary’s cinematic legacy
The ongoing search for Hungary’s lost films is more than just a nostalgic endeavor — it’s a cultural resurgence. By unearthing and restoring these films, the NFI is resurrecting Hungary’s rich cinematic history and ensuring these works are enjoyed by future generations. The efforts are creating a renewed appreciation for the artistic and historical significance of Hungarian cinema.
As the Lumière Film Festival draws to a close on October 18, the impact of these rediscovered films will resonate. Their restoration symbolizes a triumph of cultural preservation and international cooperation.
For those passionate about the art of cinema and historical preservation, these stories offer a profound glimpse into the relentless effort and dedication required to revive forgotten masterpieces.
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