Top Festivals For Film Lovers This Autumn

Attention all film enthusiasts! Budapest is gearing up for an incredible autumn season filled with exciting film festivals that cater to every taste. Whether you’re into classic films, independent cinema, or cutting-edge animations, there’s something for everyone. Let’s take a look at the upcoming events in chronological order.

First up, we have the highly anticipated Budapest Classics Film Marathon 2024 from September 17th to 22nd. This festival celebrates the beauty of restored film classics, with a special focus on the 110th anniversary of Hungarian animation. The guest of honor this year is none other than Wim Wenders, a prominent figure in contemporary cinema. Don’t miss the chance to watch 12 of his masterpieces on the big screen, including “Paris, Texas” and “Wings of Desire.”

The 14th Corvin Movie Marathon is set to take place on September 20th at the Corvin Cinema in Budapest. From early evening until the next morning, moviegoers can enjoy a variety of special screenings and accompanying programs, including pre-premiere screenings and the biggest hits, all with a single wristband.

The cult film section features “The Empire Strikes Back,” often regarded as the best Star Wars film, with an introduction by Gellért Kovács. “Being John Malkovich” will also be shown on the big screen after a long hiatus, and “The Dark Knight” will save Gotham City once again. As a new addition, the audience will decide which of the eight official Harry Potter films will be screened during the movie marathon through a vote on the Corvin Cinema’s social media pages until September 15th.

The event will also include a special Movie Marathon Menu available at the buffet, a movie history walk, and a movie technology demonstration. Recent audience favorites such as “Alien: Romulus,” “Longlegs,” and “Deadpool & Wolverine” will also be featured. Many of the films marked with “(f)” will be screened in their original language with subtitles.

The CINEMIRA YOUTH International Youth Film Festival takes place on October 5-6, 2024. This festival showcases the world’s most outstanding short films and feature films for audiences aged 13 and above. Forty short films from various countries will compete for the Golden Squirrel Award. The festival offers hourly screenings of short animated and live-action films suitable for the 13+ age group. The Panorama program features the most exceptional international feature films, including the multi-award-winning anime “The Colors Within,” which will be exclusive to Cinemira. The Canadian film “I Like Movies,” which competed at the Toronto International Film Festival, will have its Hungarian premiere at the festival. Additionally, the Danish documentary “Can’t Feel Nothing” about internet addiction will be screened for the first time in Budapest, along with a special screening of the Hungarian film “Black Spot,” fresh from its win at Locarno, accompanied by a Q&A session with the filmmakers.

Next, CINEMIRA KIDS, the only film festival in Hungary specifically designed for children, takes place on October 12-13, 2024. This unique family event allows children to explore different cultures from around the world through films. The two-day children’s film celebration features over 40 short films.

The hourly film program includes short animated and live-action films suitable for children aged 3-12. The short films cover topics relevant to children’s daily lives, such as family, school, and environmental awareness, in an entertaining and educational manner. In addition to short films, the festival will also present a feature film: the movie adaptation of the world-famous TV series “Rókus and Rézi Save the Forest,” which offers a delightful experience for the whole family.

Children can participate in various workshops, including nature photography, stunt performance, comic book creation, music video making, dance, and filmmaking. They can learn from professional animal trainers about how animals are taught to perform in films and discover casting secrets. They will have the opportunity to talk to the Hungarian voice actors of “The Brainiacs,” “Garfield,” and “Wednesday,” and even try their hand at dubbing.

Next on the calendar is the BIFF – Budapest International Film Festival, taking place from October 29th to November 3rd. This brand new festival aims to bring the freshest and most exciting independent films from around the world to Budapest. Over the course of six days, you can enjoy 20 international films at the Corvin Cinema. The lineup includes the Cannes Jury Prize winner “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” the Irish hip-hop drama “Kneecap,” and a retrospective series celebrating the 100th anniversary of Buster Keaton’s “Sherlock Jr.”

For animation lovers, the Primanima Festival is a must-attend event. Happening from October 16th to 19th, this festival showcases the latest international and Hungarian student, graduation, and debut films, as well as masterful animated shorts. The venues for this year’s edition are the BABtér in Budaörs and the Jókai Mór Cultural House. In addition to the young directors’ and master films’ competitions, the festival features the Silhouettes competition program, which includes animated documentaries, experimental approaches, and provocative works that will keep you up all night. There are also special programs for children (Gyerekfilmes) and teenagers (PrimaTeen).

Last but not least, mark your calendars for the 22nd Anilogue International Animation Film Festival from November 27th to December 1st at the Uránia National Film Theatre. This festival will screen hundreds of short films and numerous feature-length productions, celebrating the art of animation in all its forms.

So there you have it, film lovers! Budapest is the place to be this autumn, with an incredible lineup of film festivals that will satisfy your cinematic cravings. Whether you’re a fan of classics, independent films, or animations, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. Get ready for an unforgettable season of movies, discussions, and celebrations of the magic of cinema.