The festival, which kicks off on 29 May, will showcase fresh, innovative works that explore generational issues, social challenges, and personal stories. This year’s Hungarian competition programme includes thirty-four films, with three MOME diploma films among them. Two of these films have already achieved considerable global success in recent months.    

Set in a world where, after a couple breaks up, they are required to exchange a body part, Mirjana Balogh’s Wish You Were Ear, which won the Crystal Bear at this year’s Berlinale, explores how romantic relationships leave lasting impressions on our sense of self. In this way, individuals not only literally lose a part of themselves but also carry remnants of all their past relationships. 

Anna Tőkés’ fictional short film The Last Drop focuses on the dynamic between training and coaching abuse, providing an intimate look into the world of rhythmic gymnastics from the perspective of Kata, a young athlete. Behind the glittering costumes, the smiles, and the synchronized routines, the harsh realities of the sport come into focus, as teenage gymnasts are often subjected to relentless pressure from their coaches. Drawing on autobiographical elements, the film confronts viewers with the psychological and physical challenges faced by the protagonist, who is preparing for the Olympics. 

The Last Drop, which will compete at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival this June, has already earned widespread acclaim across the festival circuit: It made its international debut at the Sarajevo Film Festival, before going on to screen at prestigious events such as the CineFest Miskolc International Film Festival, Fresh Rooster (Friss Kakas), and most recently, the 44th Hungarian Film Festival, where it won the Special Prize for Short Animated Films. Before its upcoming screening in France, the film will also be showcased at Monstra, one of Portugal’s most prominent animation festivals, which begins today, and in May, it will compete at the Stuttgart ITFS International Animation Festival. 

Kata Sárdi’s Glasshouse presents a metaphorical landscape representing the inner world of the filmmaker, featuring three characters – a director and two actresses – who embody various emotions as they come together to create a film.   As the process unfolds, they are unknowingly affected in ways that mirror the director’s own creative journey. The two actresses symbolise different facets of the director’s artistic self: the creative and the task-oriented. The film’s atmosphere evokes the neon glow of the 1980s and 1990s, with subtle influences from Japanese anime. 

All of these 2024 diploma films were produced with the support of the National Film Institute (NFI) by MOME Anim, which has become a globally recognised animation hub in recent years. This achievement is the result of years, even decades, of consistent and dedicated effort. The key to success lies in seeking out and nurturing talents with unique perspectives, providing diploma film support that provides a professional production environment, and the dedication and professional humility shown by both educators and students. 

The programme is available via this link 

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