SYNOPSIS

World War II, occupied Soviet Union. István Semetka is a simple Hungarian farmer who serves as a Caporal in a special unit scouting for partisan groups. On their way to a remote village, his company falls under enemy fire. As the commander is killed, Semetka has to overcome his fears and take command of the unit as he is dragged into a chaos that he cannot control.

Original title: Természetes Fény Country: Hungary, Latvia, France, Germany Language: Hungarian Production year: 2021 Length: 103’

The film has been supported by the National Film Institute Hungary/ Hungarian Film Incentive / Council Of Europe – Eurimages / Aide Aux Cinémas du Monde – Centre National du Cinéma et de l’Image Animée – Institut Français / National Film Centre Of Latvia / Riga City Council / Creative Europe Media Of The European Union.

CAST

Ferenc Szabó, Tamás Garbacz, László Bajkó, Gyula Franczia, Ernő Stuhl, Gyula Szilágyi, Mareks Lapeskis, Krisztián Kozó, József Barta, Aivars Kuzmins, Liene Kislicka

CREW

Director: Dénes Nagy Screenwriter: Dénes Nagy (based on the novel "Természetes fény" by Pál Závada) DOP: Tamás Dobos Set Design: Márton Ágh Editor: Nicolas Rumpl Sound Design: Dominique Gaborieau, Jocelyn Robert Production Company: Campfilm Coproduction companies: Mistrus Media, Lilith Films, Propellerfilm, ZDF Arte Producers: Sára László, Marcell Gerő,  Inese Boka-Grūbe, Caroline Piras, Melanie Blocksdorf Coproducers: Viktória Petrányi (Proton Cinema), Olivier Dubois (Novak Prod), Gints Grūbe, Felix Blum Associate Producers: Alexander Bohr (ZDF arte), Gábor Rajna, Árpád Szirmai, Attila Faragó (Visionteam) Executive Producers: Melinda Erdős World sales: Luxbox

FESTIVALS & AWARDS

Berlinale 2021 Official Competition - Silver Bear Best Director

Vilnius International Film Festival - European Debut Competition

Istanbul Film Festival

Moscow International Film Festival

Fajr International Film Festival

Molodist Film Festival

Shanghai International Film Festival - Belt and road film week

European Film Festival Palic - Official Competition

Transilvania International Film Festival - Hungarian Days Showcase

Sarajevo International Film Festival

Jerusalem International Film Festival - First Feature Competition

Taipei Film Festival - Out of Competition - Future Lights

Gangneung International Film Festival - Narrative Feature Competition - Best Director

El Gouna Film Festival

New Zealand International Film Festival

Torino Film Festival

Hungrarian Film Days

Cinepolitica International Film Festival

DENES NAGY

Director/Screenwriter

Dénes Nagy graduated from the University of Theatre and Film Arts of Budapest (SZFE) in 2009. As a guest student he spent a year at the Berlin Film Academy (DFFB).
His short fiction SOFT RAIN was premiered at the 45th Directors’ Fortnight in 2013. The premiere was followed by an important international festival circuit where the film was repeatedly awarded the main prize (ex 26th“Premiers Plans” IFF, 14thOdense IFF, 19thVilnius IFF etc). 

His documentary ANOTHER HUNGARY had its premiere at the 43rdIFF Rotterdam, while his latest documentary HARM at the Documentary Competition of the 21stSarajevo Film Festival. 

Filmography

TERMÉSZETES FÉNY / NATURAL LIGHT – 103’, 2020 – 71. Berlinale Competition, 2021

SEB / HARM – documentary, 52’, 2015  – 21. Sarajevo Film Festival Official Competition 

MÁSIK MAGYARORSZÁG / ANOTHER HUNGARY – documentary, 51’, 2013  – 43. International Film Festival Rotterdam Official Selection

LÁGY ESŐ / SOFT RAIN – short fiction, 28’, 2013 - Quinzaine des réalisateurs, Cannes 2013 

BERLINSKAYA FUGA – documentary, 15’, 2009 –29. Uppsala Short Film Festival Official Competition, 2010