Filmography

The film tells the story of a tragic night. A clash of two ideas, two minds. Ferenc Kucsera, a chaplain from Szentendre, was taken away in June 1919 by the Red soldiers of the Soviet Republic to interrogate him, break him, and make an example of him. The story is about his sacrifice, his moral stand, and his confession of faith—but not only that. It is a narrow cross-section of a difficult and chaotic era. A diagnosis of a world and a country falling apart, with its shadows and lights cast upon the wall. An imprint of ideas and people—of characters who tried to respond to the challenges of history according to their own abilities and interests. Kucsera’s story is more than that of a simple victim. It speaks of faith, perseverance, and courage. Was his martyrdom inevitable? Probably yes. For there are times when preserving one’s humanity creates heroes—eras in which historical figures inevitably move toward tragedy.

“On a straight path we will not lose our way. Such is life—another motive for honor.” This excerpt from the diary of Dr. Ferenc Kucsera aptly reflects the credo of the young martyr priest. The chaplain of Szentendre was executed on June 25, 1919, by the “terrorists” of the Hungarian Soviet Republic. The documentary made about him presents not only the story of his martyrdom but also the story of his life. How did the little boy from Léva prepare for the priesthood from an early age? How did his life’s path lead him through Esztergom and Vienna to Szentendre? How and why did the local people come to hold him close to their hearts? How and why did he become a martyr? Why do people still remember him 100 years after his death? Why is his memory still alive?

This tale is about the youngest son—who set out from Nyírtass to become a painter. Nothing and no one diverted him from his path. He walked his road to the end and eventually settled in Szentendre. We retrace this journey with him—both in space and in time. 

Almost every Hungarian sports enthusiast is familiar with the modern history of Hungarian water polo; it is no coincidence that the sport has officially become a Hungarikum. Many may think that after the sport was born it immediately took root in Hungary, but this is far from the case. This documentary presents the period during which the sport—originating in Great Britain—found its way to Hungary along a winding path. How did it rise from obscurity within thirty years to the point where Hungarian water polo players could celebrate an Olympic gold medal in Los Angeles, only to defend their title four years later? We seek answers to these questions. The documentary recounts the heroic story of Hungarian water polo, from its beginnings to its first Olympic victory.