EUFF 2024 Kicked Off With the Heartfelt Hungarian Film ‘Some Birds’

The 39th Annual European Union Film Festival (EUFF) opened in Ottawa on November 15, setting the stage for a two-week celebration of European cinema. The premiere screening at the Ottawa Art Gallery featured the Hungarian drama-comedy Some Birds, directed by Dániel Hevér and written by Zsanett Kertész. This bittersweet film explores themes of aging, loneliness, and the unlikely friendships that bridge generations.

ABOVE: Dr. Mária Vass-Salazar, the Hungarian Ambassador to Canada, and Geneviève Tuts, the European Union Ambassador to Canada, officially inaugurated the 2024 European Union Film Festival in Ottawa.

Opening Remarks and Cultural Connections

Prior to the screening, Geneviève Tuts, Ambassador of the European Union to Canada issued a media release about the EUFF  that emphasized the power of cinema to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers. “The universal appeal of cinema is undeniable,” she remarked. “An art form that magnifies life and our shared human experiences, cinema connects us across cultures, languages, and borders.”

Hosting the premiere was Dr. Mária Vass-Salazar, Hungary’s Ambassador to Canada, who expressed her pride in Hungary’s cinematic storytelling.She conveyed her appreciation for Ottawa hosting the film’s premiere, praised its portrayal of human relationships  and highlighted Hungary’s remarkable cinematic storytelling tradition and immense contribution to the creation of Hollywood. She emphasized the Festival’s role in fostering cultural exchange between EU countries and Canada, and thanked the organizers for their support of showcasing European cinema.  She noted that the Embassy places a strong emphasis on cultural diplomacy, actively organizing numerous cultural events to showcase Hungarian culture in Canada.Ambassador Vass-Salazar also thanked the festival organizers for showcasing Hungary’s contribution to European cinema, highlighting the event’s role in fostering cultural exchange between Hungary and Canada. “This film beautifully portrays human relationships and cultural identity, which are at the heart of Hungary’s rich cinematic tradition,” she said.

A Story of Connection Across Generations

Some Birds tells the story of Béla, an elderly man grappling with the loss of independence after being placed in a nursing home by his son. There, he meets Zoé, a rebellious teenager volunteering at the facility while navigating her own struggles with abandonment. Despite their differences, Béla and Zoé form an unexpected friendship that helps them confront their individual challenges.

As Béla, László Szacsvay portrays a defiant yet kind-hearted man wrestling with society’s perception of aging. His sarcastic humour and resilience create moments of levity amidst the film’s emotional depth. Opposite him, Lilla Kizlinger delivers a nuanced performance as Zoé, capturing the quiet rebellion and yearning for connection of a teenager neglected by her mother.

The duo’s on-screen chemistry shines through their shared antics, from sneaking into the kitchen to prepare late-night meals to shipping an oversized toy dinosaur to Béla’s grandson. Their evolving relationship underscores the film’s central message: understanding and companionship can bridge even the most unlikely divides.

ABOVE: Cinematographer Marcell Nagy engages in a discussion with audience members following the film’s screening. RIGHT: Marcel Nagy, alongside Dr. Mária Vass-Salazar, the Hungarian Ambassador to Canada.

Behind the Scenes

The film’s cinematography, crafted by Marcell Nagy, underscores the contrasts in Béla and Zoé’s worlds. Urban, saturated tones depict the nursing home’s confined environment, while muted, starker visuals highlight Zoé’s home life. Outdoor scenes introduce more natural and open settings, reflecting moments of freedom and emotional release.

During the Q&A following the premiere, Nagy shared insights into his process. Despite joining the project just three months before shooting began, his experience as an actor helped him build a strong rapport with the cast. “Actors trust me because of my background,” Nagy explained. “I know the vulnerability of being in front of the camera, which helps create a special bond between us.”

By any measure-including the heartfelt applause of the audience for both the film and Nagy, Some Birds  is a success.  And, Hungary’s cinematic legacy and the festival’s role in cultural exchange left a lasting impression on Ottawa’s arts and diplomatic communities.

A Gateway to European Cinema

The European Union Film Festival runs in Ottawa from November 15 to 30, featuring 28 films from EU member states and Ukraine. Screenings take place at the Ottawa Art Gallery’s Alma Duncan Salon. Some Birds proved to be a fitting opening, blending humour, emotion, and cultural depth to celebrate the festival’s spirit of connection and storytelling. (*Some Birds will be available online in December)

For more information or to view the full schedule, please visit European Union Film Festival 2024.