Budapest Classic Film Marathon Returns: Experience Cinema History at the 8th Annual Festival
Get ready for one of Europe’s most prestigious film restoration festivals! The Budapest Classic Film Marathon returns for its eighth edition from September 16-21, 2025, bringing together cinema lovers, film historians, and culture enthusiasts for six unforgettable days of meticulously restored film classics. Whether you’re a devoted cinephile or simply curious about cinema history, this festival offers a rare opportunity to experience legendary films as they were meant to be seen – on the big screen in their original glory.
Event Details
- Duration: September 16-21, 2025 (with pre-events on September 14)
- Times: Various showtimes throughout each day at multiple venues
- Location: Six venues across Budapest, plus outdoor screenings at Szent István Square
What Makes the Budapest Classic Film Marathon Special
Organized by the National Film Institute, this international festival of restored film classics has grown tremendously since its inception in 2017. The event consistently breaks attendance records, with 2024 marking a spectacular year that welcomed Oscar-winning Greek director Costa-Gavras and German cinema legend Wim Wenders, who received the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF) award in Budapest for his commitment to preserving film heritage.
The festival’s mission extends far beyond simple movie screenings. It represents a celebration of cinematic archaeology, bringing back Hungarian and international masterpieces that have been painstakingly restored to their original beauty. These aren’t just old movies – they’re cultural treasures that tell the story of human creativity and artistic evolution through the medium of film.
Premium Cinema Venues
The festival takes place across six carefully selected venues, each offering unique atmosphere and technical capabilities:
Toldi Cinema (1054 Budapest, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út 36-38) – One of Budapest’s most beloved art house cinemas
Uránia National Film Theatre (1088 Budapest, Rákóczi út 21) – A stunning venue combining architectural beauty with state-of-the-art projection
French Institute Budapest (1011 Budapest, Fő utca 11) – Perfect for international film presentations
Art+ Cinema (1073 Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 39) – Modern screening facilities in the heart of the city
Budapest Music Center (1093 Budapest, Mátyás utca 8) – Ideal for film concerts and special presentations
Outdoor Cinema Experience
The crown jewel of the festival is the transformation of Szent István Square (1051 Budapest) into a massive outdoor cinema for four magical evenings. Imagine watching legendary films on a giant screen erected in front of the magnificent St. Stephen’s Basilica – it’s an experience that combines Budapest’s architectural grandeur with cinema’s golden age. These outdoor screenings are completely free, making world-class cinema accessible to everyone.
Festival Sections and Programming
Celebrating Cinema Milestones
This year’s programming includes fascinating thematic sections that explore different aspects of film history:
130 Years of Cinema – A retrospective journey through cinema’s evolution since its inception
Producer Focus: Robert Lantos – Spotlighting one of the industry’s most influential producers
Written by Joe Eszterhas – Exploring the work of this controversial and talented screenwriter
Freedom and Playfulness: Károly Makk at 100 – Celebrating the Hungarian master director’s centennial
International Cinema Treasures
Light and Shadow – A selection focusing on cinematography mastery
Fabulous Women from the East – Highlighting female performances and directors from Eastern Europe
Ingrid and Roberto: Italian Journey – A romantic exploration of Italian cinema
Open Archives – Rare discoveries from film archives worldwide
Encounter Attempts – Experimental and avant-garde cinema selections
Pre-Festival Events at Müpa Budapest
September 14th: Getting in the Festival Mood
The excitement begins even before the official festival opening with a full day of programming at Müpa Budapest on September 14th. This preliminary celebration includes puppet films, animations, and film concerts designed to appeal to all ages.
Classic Hungarian Puppet Films
Starting at 10:00 AM, experience three Hungarian puppet film classics: “The Shivering King,” “The Adventure of Saint Gallen,” and “The Tale of the Useless Jug.” These films, directed by István Imre (creator of the legendary TV series “Mekk Elek, the Handyman”), feature music by renowned composers György Ránki and György Kurtág.
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Animated Masterpiece: Szaffi
At 11:30 AM, enjoy Attila Dargay’s beloved 1985 animated film “Szaffi,” based on Mór Jókai’s novella “The Gypsy Baron.” This digitally restored romantic adventure features iconic voice performances and tells an extraordinary love story set during the final days of Ottoman occupation.
Live Film Concerts
The day culminates with two spectacular film concerts featuring live orchestral accompaniment:
5:00 PM: Sándor Korda’s 1918 masterpiece “The Man with the Golden Touch” accompanied by Gergely Dubóczky and the Győr Philharmonic Orchestra. This meticulously restored silent film, shot during World War I, showcases early Hungarian cinema at its finest.
7:30 PM: Buster Keaton’s legendary 1926 comedy “The General” with new symphonic music performed live by the Budafok Dohnanyi Orchestra under conductor Apor Szüts. Experience one of cinema’s greatest comedies with fresh orchestral accompaniment in the magnificent Béla Bartók National Concert Hall.
Why Attend the Budapest Classic Film Marathon
Educational Opportunities
The festival offers free student screenings where thousands of school children discover the magic of classic cinema. These educational programs ensure that film heritage continues to inspire new generations of cinema lovers.
Live Musical Experiences
Silent films come alive through live film concerts, where contemporary musicians create new scores or perform historically appropriate accompaniments. These performances transform movie watching into a complete sensory experience that bridges past and present.
International Film Discoveries
The festival consistently premieres rare film discoveries and archive treasures that haven’t been seen by modern audiences. You might witness the revival of a lost masterpiece or experience a perfectly restored version of a film you thought you knew.
Cultural Immersion
Beyond individual screenings, the festival creates a week-long celebration of cinema culture. International guests, filmmakers, and film historians participate in discussions and presentations, offering insights into the artistic and historical significance of the featured works.
Planning Your Festival Experience
Ticket sales will be announced soon on the official website so keep checking for updates and program details. Given the festival’s growing popularity and the intimate nature of many venues, early booking is highly recommended.
The outdoor screenings at Szent István Square are free and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early to secure good viewing positions for these magical evening experiences under Budapest’s historic skyline.
Whether you’re passionate about film history, curious about restoration techniques, or simply looking for unique cultural experiences in Budapest, the 8th Budapest Classic Film Marathon offers something extraordinary. Join thousands of cinema enthusiasts for six days that celebrate the art, craft, and enduring magic of movies in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.