Producer Szijártó Anna has previously worked on films such as Krémes, Pun Intended, Cabin Pressure – Anya leszek csak azért is! and Diamond Beauty, which was also screened successfully at Friss Hús. After several acclaimed short films (Everything Alright, Pannónia Dicsérete), Nagy Borbála is presenting her first feature film, Mambo Maternica, at this year’s Filmszemle. Both filmmakers emphasized the BDFF’s unique role within the Hungarian film landscape and highlighted the practical value of the workshops.
How did you arrive at the BDFF, and what expectations did you have?
Szijártó Anna: When the 2023 BDFF call was announced, Lady Sunshine was at a very early stage. We needed a few days to focus entirely on the project in a structured way.. The forum gave Lady Sunshine a major initial push., Later, when I started working on another debut project (Family Discount), there was no question that I would apply again.
Nagy Borbála: I participated in the BDFF in both 2021 and 2022. The 2021 edition was held online due to the pandemic. We were very happy to be selected again the following year and finally attend the workshops in person.
What was the professional and community atmosphere of the forum like for you?
SZA: Supportive, intimate, open, professional.
NB: The small number of participants created a friendly, family-like atmosphere. As a result, mentors could truly focus on us, and the creators were able to get to know each other and the other projects as well. Because of this, , even the pitch sessions felt relaxed and low-pressure.
Which workshops or program elements were the most useful for you, and why?
SZA: The In Between Film workshop on European co-productions and the international sales workshop led by Bánkuti Zsuzsi and Greiner Gábor were incredibly useful. There is no high-quality producer training in Hungary, so I still return to my notes as if they were my university notes. Benjamin Cölle’s audience design workshop was also excellent; I still use his methods in practice.
NB: The workshops focusing on the screenplay were the most helpful for me. Dramaturg Pavel Marek was an extremely inspiring mentor, and the insights of Zsuzsi Bánkuti and Ada Solomon were also very helpful during the development process.
Was there any specific knowledge, feedback, or connection that significantly influenced your thinking or the direction of your film?
SZA: Both film projects were at the treatment stage when we participated in the BDFF. We considered many things and discarded many of the feedback points.his is the hardest part of such forums: deciding what truly aligns with the creators’ original vision of the film.
We also built professional relationships with mentors and participants whom we still turn to for advice, whether for applications or fresh perspectives.
NB: Winning the “Most Promising Feature Film” award made it possible for us to produce a moodfilm. I believe this later contributed significantly to the jury selecting the project at the Incubator pitch.
Where is the film you brought to the forum now?
SZA: With Lady Sunshine, we have since participated in many international forums and received awards, secured MEDIA development support, and found two excellent co-production partners. The next step is to close the financing. The first version of the script was written by Anna Korom and Andris Soós during the Warsaw Pop-Up Film Residence, which we attended thanks to a BDFF award. We later discarded much of it after realizing we wanted to make a much wilder, stranger, and angrier film. The goal is to shoot next year.
The screenplay for Family Discount is being written by Nadine and Terézia Mora, while we are working with a potential German co-production partner on the next step of financing. There is still a long road ahead.
NB: The 2021 project is currently at its fourth draft, and we are in talks with international co-producers. The 2022 project is Mambo Maternica, which will premiere at the Hungarian Filmszemle in early February and will then be released in cinemas.
Overall, what practical impact did participating in the BDFF have on you?
SZA: Both projects began their international journey at the BDFF. The first “stamp” is always important, it guarantees in later steps that the project has already been selected and awarded by a professional jury. On a personal level, I also gained a great deal of knowledge.
NB: The BDFF is a gap-filling initiative. It is important that such an international forum exists in Hungary, where highly respected professionals with extensive experience and knowledge support the development of first feature films.
