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Filmmakers in Focus: Márta Mészáros
Film critic Tara Judah and film scholar Catherine Portuges explore the work of trailblazing Hungarian filmmaker Márta Mészáros.
Overview
With a six-decade career focusing on telling women’s stories, Márta Mészáros has an important place in the history of cinema. Throughout her career, she has challenged traditional portrayals of female roles, has had a sharp eye for depicting societal changes, and has often woven in autobiographical elements into her films. This discussion focuses on Mészáros’ three key titles, Riddance (1973), Adoption (1975) and Diary for My Children (1984), all of which are available to watch on BFI Player.
Thank you to the National Film Institute Hungary - Film Archive and the Hungarian Cultural Centre, London for their support.
Related
Adoption Adoption
Drama 1975 84 mins Director: Márta Mészáros
Celebrated as the first time a woman (or a Hungarian) director was awarded the Golden Bear at Berlin, Adoption is a powerful statement on female agency.
Riddance Riddance
Drama 1973 81 mins Director: Márta Mészáros
A thoughtful, observational drama about a young woman’s fight to retain her integrity despite falling in love.
Diary for My Father and Mother Diary for My Father and Mother
Drama 1990 116 mins Director: Márta Mészáros
A climate of fear and mistrust pervades Budapest after the 1956 Uprising, the setting for the last part of Márta Mészáros’ outstanding Diary trilogy.
Diary for My Children Diary for My Children
Drama 1984 103 mins Director: Márta Mészáros
The first part of Márta Mészáros' award-winning autobiographical Diary trilogy, set in Hungary from 1947 to 1953.
Diary for My Loves Diary for My Loves
Drama 1987 126 mins Director: Márta Mészáros
The second part of Márta Mészáros’ triumphant Diary trilogy focuses on Juli starting to realise her dream of becoming a director.
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