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Márta Mészáros

We showcase the direct and observational voice of this important director, whose films celebrate the rich tapestry of Central and Eastern European life.

‘I try to portray interesting women – not geniuses, but interesting women’
Márta Mészáros

While resisting the ‘feminist filmmaker’ label, Mészáros undeniably makes her films from a female point of view. She looks long and deep. Drawing on personal experience, she considers difference, rebellion and intimacy and doesn’t judge. After studying at the Moscow Film School and making over 20 documentaries (significantly stories of under-represented women), Mészáros made her first feature in 1968. Since then she’s built a significant body of award-winning work where a look and a gesture can replace pages of exposition, and in which we can learn volumes about relationships between parents and children, state and individuals and the rich tapestry of Central and Eastern European life. With many films restored by National Film Institute Hungary – Film Archive, it’s the perfect opportunity to acknowledge Mészáros’ incisive vision, so relevant to our times.

Maggi Hurt, season curator

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AdoptionAdoption

Drama197584 minsDirector: 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.

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Filmmakers in Focus: Márta MészárosFilmmakers in Focus: Márta Mészáros

Inside Film202143 mins

Film critic Tara Judah and film scholar Catherine Portuges explore the work of trailblazing Hungarian filmmaker Márta Mészáros.

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RiddanceRiddance

Drama197381 minsDirector: Márta Mészáros

A thoughtful, observational drama about a young woman’s fight to retain her integrity despite falling in love.

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Diary for My Father and MotherDiary for My Father and Mother

Drama1990116 minsDirector: 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.

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Diary for My ChildrenDiary for My Children

Drama1984103 minsDirector: Márta Mészáros

The first part of Márta Mészáros' award-winning autobiographical Diary trilogy, set in Hungary from 1947 to 1953.

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Diary for My LovesDiary for My Loves

Drama1987126 minsDirector: Márta Mészáros

The second part of Márta Mészáros’ triumphant Diary trilogy focuses on Juli starting to realise her dream of becoming a director.