The ELTE–NFI University Film Club screening and discussion series continues. We welcome university members from all ELTE faculties.
In Oscar-winning director Kristóf Deák's film, set in 1951 during the establishment of totalitarian rule, the life of a Budapest family is turned upside down. At dawn, they are awakened by the ringing of the State Protection Authority, who remain in their home and hold them captive for days without revealing who or what they are looking for. The absurd situation is exacerbated by the fact that the authorities also take into custody anyone who enters the apartment. The apartment, like a little roly-poly, swallows up everyone who rings the doorbell. Days pass in increasing uncertainty, fear takes hold of the captives, leaving them unable to control their suppressed emotions. In this tense atmosphere, even the smallest tasks of everyday life become almost impossible to accomplish, giving rise to absurd situations treated with subtle humor that relieve the tension of this work. Based on an incredible but true story, we are transported to the stifling and unpredictable atmosphere of 1950s Hungary.
Date: 22 October 2025, 6 p.m.
Venue: ELTE University Library and Archives, community space (1053 Budapest, Ferenciek tere 6.)
Starring: Eliza Sodró, Zsófia Szamosi, Ernő Fekete, Gábor Csőre.
Our guest for the post-screening discussion will be János Rácz, PhD, Senior Research Fellow at the VERITAS Research Institute for History and Archives.
Due to limited seating, please register in advance.
Registration: https://www.ajk.elte.hu/content/foglyok-deak-kristof-filmje-2019.e.1933
The organisers welcome letters regarding the film club at eltenfi.filmklub@elte.hu.
ELTE–NFI Film Club Facebook page