Chapters from the history of Italian-Hungarian heritage

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2016/01/05

In the first quarter of 2016, National Széchényi Library will organize a free series of screenings of films which were presented at the Hungarian Pavilion of Expo Milano 2015. Katalin Pethényi and Barna Kabay made a series of documentaries, consisting of ten episodes, in order to present some of the milestones of Italian-Hungarian cultural relations. The 11th episode, presenting the oeuvre of Mikós Ybl, was made by Bence Gyöngyössy.

The organizers of Expo Milano aimed at putting the culture of the exhibiting countries in the spotlight by providing a reason and opportunity to make these films. The idea behind it was that a real deep and organic relationship between two nations can be achieved via culture, which is a key to a better understanding of each other.

Attendance of our screenings is free. We are looking forward to seeing you in National Széchényi Library! Date of the first screening is Thursday January 14, 2016; venue is Ceremonial Hall on Floor 6 of the Library.

Program:

Hungarian Academy in Rome, Part 1 
Writer-director: Katalin Petényi, director-producer: Barna Kabay

The documentary, coming in two parts, deals with the nearly 100-year history of the Hungarian Academy in Rome. Part 1 presents the foundation of the Academy, the “golden age” between World War I and World War 2 and the life of Hungarian scholars in Palazzo Falconieri, one of the most beautiful palaces of Rome.

Hungarian Academy in Rome, Part 2 
Writer-director: Katalin Petényi, director-producer: Barna Kabay

Via era witnesses and network people’s reports, stored in the Archive of the State Security Services, Part 2 explores how, for decades, the Academy became a servant of the Communist regime and how, following 1989, it became once more one of the most significant scientific and cultural institutions to serve the Hungarian culture.

 

Invitation card of the event

Scheduled dates of upcoming screenings are February 11, 2016, March 10, 2016 and April 21, 2016.

For further information, contact the Press Office of NSZL at pr@oszk.hu or at +36 1 224 3746.