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29-12-2011

First round of scripts disappoints new Hungarian National Film Fund

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    BUDAPEST: The scripts submitted to the new Hungarian National Film Fund (MNF, www.filmalap.hu) in its first round have been described as “disappointing” by MNF chief Agnes Havas and Hungary’s Film Commissioner Andy Vajna.

    The newly minted MNF made its first call for support in September 2011 and is said to have received over 60 scripts according to script readers working at the fund. But at a meeting in December the MNF announced that the only project to receive funding for development was Kornél Mundruczó’s The Flying Man.

    Havas and Vajna have both stated that the new system of support that established the MNF would emphasize development of strong scripts and production of Hungarian films that won kudos at international festivals and box office success at home. But speaking after the first round of funding was announced both Havas and Vajna said that most of the scripts were disappointing. Vajna said that they had received some strong stories but that the scripts were underdeveloped and the projects were not really convincing.

    Havas also addressed concerns from filmmakers over the MNF’s right for the final cut. Havas stated that the Fund will only have this right if they are financing at least 50% of the film, or if the film receives more than 150 million HUF (500.000 EUR) from the MNF. She asked for patience as the MNF was still being polished and said that it would respond to the concerns of the film industry.