New Netflix Heist Movie Filmed in Hungary

The Indian Hindi-language action film, Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins, featuring Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan and filmed last year in Budapest, Mumbai and Istanbul, has recently made its debut on Netflix.

Jewel Thief. Picture via Imdb

Persuaded to steal the legendary African Red Sun diamond for a mafia boss, Khan’s character (Rehan Roy) meticulously plans a heist with detective Vikram Patel (played by Kunal Kapoor) in hot pursuit. Rehan Roy is a master thief who’s been hiding out in Budapest, and who could blame him? It’s a great city to hole up, surrounded by a choice of cultural or more hedonistic pursuits.

It’s also become a major hub for international film production with no let-up in sight.

Jewel Thief is the latest in a long list of films to showcase the sights and scenes of Budapest. In this case, the city plays herself, although she’s an expert of disguise. A real chameleon, Budapest has stood in for a range of European, British, and even U.S. cities.

Other Bollywood films of note that have likewise been lured to film in Budapest include:

·       Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1991)

Now considered a Bollywood classic, the film is about a man who discovers that the woman he’s just married is in love with someone else. Decidng to help, he takes his wife to Europe (Budapest standing in here for Italy) so he can reunite her with the object of her affection.

·      Force 2 (2016)

An action-espionage thriller (which allegedly took its inspiration from Skyfall), this was filmed partly at locations in Budapest, including the Ethnographical museum. In the lead roles the film featured John Abraham, Tahir Raj Bhasin and Sonakshi Sinha.

·       Jab Harry met Sejal (2017)

A romantic comedy filmed across Amsterdam, Prague and Budapest starring iconic Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma. A woman loses her engagement ring while holidaying in Europe. She’s helped by a jaded tour guide to retrace her steps in an attempt to find the ring.

Flatpack Films has years of experience servicing international brands, agencies, and production companies. Filming in Hungary is easy when relying on their knowledge of the market and ability to solve complex needs. They bring the best that Hungary has to offer in terms of unique locations, exceptionally skilled crews, top-of-the-line equipment and technical solutions. Backed by an impeccable track record, Flatpack Films has worked with world-class clients including Samsung, Samsonite, Toyota, Braun, Chivas Regal and many more.

Get in touch and learn more about Budapest film locations, Hungarian film incentives, film tax credits in Hungary and how Flatpack Films can bring your project to life through a highly bespoke approach.

Sir Alexander Korda: The Hungarian-born British Movie Mogul

Hungarians like to tell you that filmmaking is in their blood. The connection goes back to the early days of cinema, embodied by Hungarian immigrants like Adolph Zuker, who co-founded Paramount in Hollywood, and Sir Alexander Korda, who helped lay the foundations of the British Film Industry.

Alexander Korda. Picture via Imdb.

European Film Roots

Alexander Korda started his journey in movie making by writing film reviews to support his family after his father died. He quickly made a name for himself during the First World War as a screenwriter in the Hungarian film industry, having been excused from military service due to his short-sightedness. Quickly graduating to making his own films, Korda established his first production company in 1916, Corvin Film, which would go on to become one of the largest film companies in the country. Although widely recognized as a leading voice in the Hungarian film industry, Korda left Hungary in 1919 for Austria due to the political turbulence of the period. He would never return.

It was in Vienna where Korda first tasted major international success while working with Count Alexander Kolowrat’ company, Sascha-Film, on the film The Prince and the Pauper (1920). This experience sparked something in Korda; a desire to make films that had global box office appeal. The pursuit of this dream would propel him to move to Germany where he continued to make films, often with his actress wife Maria Corda (sic) in the starring role.

Mixed-Success in Hollywood

Taking up a contract with a US studio, Korda arrived in Hollywood with Maria in 1926. The pairs’ first break-out film came in the form of The Private Life of Helen of Troy (1927), a parody portraying figures of antiquity as everyday people navigating marriage, friendships and parenting. It proved to be a hit, but pigeon-holed Korda as a director of films set in exotic, foreign locales. He grew increasingly frustrated with the studio system. There were also tensions on the home front as the advent of talking pictures meant the demise of Maria’s career–her accented English precluded her from appearing in most American films. They divorced before Korda made the move back to Europe around 1930–to France, this time–where he worked for Paramount adapting Hollywood films for the French and German markets.

London Beckons

Leslie Howard in Service for Ladies (1932). Picture via BFI Southbank.

In 1931, Korda arrived in Britain to oversee the UK operations of Paramount. He injected a jolt of quality into the so-called ‘quota’ films of the time–movies made on the cheap and in a hurry to bolster home-grown production. The first film of this kind that Korda made, Service for Ladies (1932), featured one of Paramount’s rising stars, Leslie Howard–the UK born actor with Hungarian heritage who would go on to star in Gone with the Wind. A resounding hit, it was described by the weekly magazine Bioscope as, “one of the most enjoyable [films] ever to emanate from a British studio”. Interestingly, the film was a remake of one of Paramount’s successes from the silent era, which was in turn based on a novel by Hungarian writer Ernest Vajda.

Leveraging the success of Service for Ladies, Korda set up his own company, London Film Productions, which would become one of the most successful production companies in the U.K. He made several modestly budgeted films before embarking on one more ambitious in scale. It was based on the template that had brought him success back in Hollywood: The Private Life of Henry VIII. The film was a hit, grossing £500,000 within a year. Korda had arrived in Britain only three previously, but was already proving that the country could sustain an international film industry independent of Hollywood.

Korda went on to build a seven-stage studio at Denham, which would later merge with Pinewood Studios. He produced and directed many more films, including a trilogy centred on the theme of empire: Sanders of the River (1935), The Ghost goes West (1935) and The Scarlet Pimpernel (1934), as well as other movies centring on Britain’s imperial legacy. Although he escaped the financial crises in the film industry around 1937, his own extravagance in spending came under fire leading to his eventual loss of control over Denham studios. This forced him to return to Hollywood in 1940. Despite being essentially in exile for three years, Korda continued to produce and direct British-led movies during this time, many of which were made to sway American public opinion regarding the Second World War. 

Links to Winston Churchill and MI6

Winston Churchill. Picture via Wikipedia.

It may seem incongruous now, but around 1934, when Winston Churchill was in the wilderness politically, Korda paid him £10,000 to write The Reign of King George V, a film to commemorate the silver jubilee in 1935. The film never got off the ground, but Korda certainly left an impression on Churchill. Writing to his wife, Clementine, Churchill remarked,

            “Korda certainly gives me the feeling of a genius at this kind of thing…. I have great confidence in this man and in his flair.”

The men would later collaborate on films designed to garner American sympathy and support for the British war effort against Hitler. Particularly notable was the film, That Hamilton Woman, which cast Laurence Olivier as Admirable Nelson and Vivien Leigh (hot off the heels of Gone with the Wind) as his lover Emma Hamilton.

Beyond the fact that Korda bolstered wartime morale through his films, he also provided cover for MI6 agents in Europe by claiming they were employees of his production company. In 1942, Alexander Korda’s efforts for the cause were recognized when he was knighted by Churchill, cementing his role not only in establishing the British film industry, but as a committed ally to his adopted country.

To pay tribute to his contribution to the British film industry, the "Outstanding British Film of the Year" (an award bestowed by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts) was known as The Alexander Korda award until 2007.

Sources and further information:

BFI

Open University

Wikipedia

Flatpack Films has years of experience servicing international brands, agencies, and production companies. Filming in Hungary is easy when relying on their knowledge of the market and ability to solve complex needs. They bring the best that Hungary has to offer in terms of unique locations, exceptionally skilled crews, top-of-the-line equipment and technical solutions. Backed by an impeccable track record, Flatpack Films has worked with world-class clients including Samsung, Samsonite, Toyota, Braun, Chivas Regal and many more.

Get in touch and learn more about Budapest film locations, Hungarian film incentives, film tax credits in Hungary and how Flatpack Films can bring your project to life through a highly bespoke approach.  

Death of a Unicorn: Filmed in Hungary

A central European country standing in for Canada? Done. With the release of Death of a Unicorn last month, it’s clear that Hungary’s versatility as an international film location continues to evolve and grow.

Via Imdb

A 2025 American comedy-horror film written and directed by Alex Scharfman, the film stars Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega playing a father and his teen daughter. The pair accidentally run over a unicorn foal while on the way to spend the weekend with Elliot’s boss–owner of a pharmaceutical company–and his family at his estate in rural Canada.

We don’t want to venture too deeply into spoiler territory, but this being a horror-comedy, there’ll be plenty of satirical jibes involving the miraculous power of unicorns and their potential exploitation in our modern, cynical, post-capitalist society. Needless to say, there’ll also be gore in the form of bloody, drawn-out deaths.

The film is produced by the much-celebrated American independent entertainment company A24, which has become synonymous for its distinctively quirky and critically acclaimed features and TV series. Filming for the movie began in Hungary in July 2023.  It was able to continue with production during the 2023 SAG-AFRA strike because A24 is not part of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.

Other A24 movies filmed in Hungary include The Brutalist–set in Philadelphia and rural Pennsylvania–and Midsommar–set in rural Sweden. The company also acquired the U.S. rights for Ruben Östlund’s new movie, The Entertainment System is Down, which is currently also filming in, you guessed it, Budapest.

Flatpack Films has years of experience servicing international brands, agencies, and production companies. Filming in Hungary is easy when relying on their knowledge of the market and ability to solve complex needs. They bring the best that Hungary has to offer in terms of unique locations, exceptionally skilled crews, top-of-the-line equipment and technical solutions. Backed by an impeccable track record, Flatpack Films has worked with world-class clients including Samsung, Samsonite, Toyota, Braun, Chivas Regal and many more.

Get in touch and learn more about Budapest film locations, Hungarian film incentives, film tax credits in Hungary and how Flatpack Films can bring your project to life through a highly bespoke approach.

Rob Lowe and Adam Scott Discuss Filming Outside L.A.

In a recent episode of the podcast, Literally! With Rob Lowe, Rob Lowe and Adam Scott discussed the reasons why so many productions are choosing not to film in L.A. Let’s just say that Lowe did not hold back in voicing his criticisms.

Rob Lowe. Photo via Wikipedia.

Rob Lowe is one of the original members of the so-called Brat Pack of the 1980s–a nickname bestowed upon a group of young actors (Demi Moore, Emilio Estevez, Ally Sheedy, Molly Ringwald and Judd Nelson) who  often starred in popular coming-of-age films of the era. They appeared in hits such as Breakfast Club, St. Elmo’s Fire, The Outsiders and About Last Night.

Forty-odd years of working and maintaining industry success has obviously given Lowe certain insight into the business and he’s not afraid to voice his opinion, no matter how unpopular that might be. During the last episode of his podcast, Lowe spoke to his ex-co-star Adam Scott from the sitcom Parks & Recreation (Scott is now star of the cult hit show streaming on Apple TV, Severance). In a wide-ranging chat, the discussion turned to why there is so much filming going on outside of L.A. Cost was obviously stated as the number one factor.  

Lowe bemoaned the situation of film and television production in California, specifically the fact that there has been an exodus of domestic production to international destinations. Describing the state’s leadership handling of the issue as “criminal”, Lowe pointed to the lack of (competitive) tax breaks as a major reason forcing productions out of the state.

Acknowledging that “nothing shoots in Los Angeles” anymore, Scott went on to ask Lowe if Parks & Recreation would be filmed there if the show were being made today:

 “Do you think if we shot Parks right now, we’d be in Budapest?” Scott asked.

“One-hundred percent we would be. We’d be in Budapest,” Lowe replied.

Budapest has indeed become the second largest filming hub in Europe. Hungary, more specifically central Europe, is now in the top five preferred global filming destinations due to generous tax rebates, state-of-the-art, expansive studios, experienced crew and diverse locations on offer.

And just in case there’s a chance of Parks & Recreation coming back for a final season, we’re sure Budapest would be delighted to oblige.

 Sources & further reading:

Deadline

Flatpack Films has years of experience servicing international brands, agencies, and production companies. Filming in Hungary is easy when relying on their knowledge of the market and ability to solve complex needs. They bring the best that Hungary has to offer in terms of unique locations, exceptionally skilled crews, top-of-the-line equipment and technical solutions. Backed by an impeccable track record, Flatpack Films has worked with world-class clients including Samsung, Samsonite, Toyota, Braun, Chivas Regal and many more.

Get in touch and learn more about Budapest film locations, Hungarian film incentives, film tax credits in Hungary and how Flatpack Films can bring your project to life through a highly bespoke approach.  

Budapest's Prettiest Movie Theatres: The Puskin and Urania Cinemas

Not only is Budapest the number two go-to location for international productions looking to film in Europe, it’s also home to a couple of the world’s most beautiful art house cinemas. But don’t just take our word for it–it’s official!

Puskin Cinema in Budapest. Picture via www.puskinmozi.hu

In Time Out’s recently published list of the 50 most beautiful cinemas globally, The Puskin came in at number eight. But there’s another cinema just up the road from there that (in our humble opinion) is just as stunning architecturally: The Urania.

These iconic venues offer more than just a place to watch a film—they provide an immersive experience where history, architecture, and cinematic art converge.

 Puskin Cinema: A Timeless Masterpiece

Originally opened in 1926, it was once the largest cinema in Europe. Before becoming a movie theatre, it served as a casino, a past reflected in its lavish design. The cinema’s main hall, adorned with gilded sculptures by Sándor Kristián, retains its regal charm, offering visitors a glimpse into the golden age of the roaring 20s, Budapest style

Over the years, the Puskin has undergone renovations while preserving its historical integrity. Since 2013, it has housed five distinct screening rooms named after iconic films: Metropolis, Amarcord, Annie Hall, Mephisto (named after a Hungarian Oscar-winning film that you may remember we wrote about in this blog post), and Körhinta. The largest hall, with its marble pillars and golden ceiling, feels like a portal to another era.

Beyond its aesthetics, the Puskin Cinema champions independent and arthouse films, showcasing a curated selection of international and Hungarian movies. Regular family-friendly screenings, film festivals, and cultural events make it a beloved destination for movie lovers who crave more than just the latest blockbuster.

Urania National Film Theatre: A Monument to Cinema 

The Urania Cinema. Photo via Wikipedia.

Step into the Urania National Film Theatre and you’re instantly transported into a world of opulence. Constructed in the 1880s, the building wasn’t originally intended as a cinema at all. It first served as an Orpheum (a cabaret slash dance hall), until it was repurposed at the dawn of the 20th century to host film screenings.

The Urania has a striking neo-Renaissance facade, but just wait till you get inside. Here, you’ll be assailed by colourful Moorish design features, intricate detailing, lavish chandeliers, and a ceiling adorned with frescoes. It’s the complete package in terms of immersion into another, altogether more lavish world. Today, it’s a popular venue for film festivals, premieres, and screenings of both Hungarian and international arthouse films. Whether you’re watching a contemporary masterpiece or a classic film, the experience will only be heightened by the theatre’s grand aesthetics and rich history.

Why These Cinemas Matter

In an era where streaming and multiplex theatres dominate, venues like the Urania and Puskin preserve the charm of traditional cinema-going. They remind audiences that film is not just about content but also about atmosphere, communal experience, and appreciation of the art form in an environment that enhances storytelling.

For international filmmakers looking to shoot in Hungary, these cinemas also highlight Budapest’s deep cinematic culture, making it an ideal destination for film production. Whether you’re here to watch a film or to capture the city’s timeless elegance on camera, the Urania and Puskin cinemas are must-visit landmarks for any film enthusiast.

Time Out: The 50 Most Beautiful Cinemas in the World

Flatpack Films has years of experience servicing international brands, agencies, and production companies. Filming in Hungary is easy when relying on their knowledge of the market and ability to solve complex needs. They bring the best that Hungary has to offer in terms of unique locations, exceptionally skilled crews, top-of-the-line equipment and technical solutions. Backed by an impeccable track record, Flatpack Films has worked with world-class clients including Samsung, Samsonite, Toyota, Braun, Chivas Regal and many more.

Get in touch and learn more about Budapest film locations, Hungarian film incentives, film tax credits in Hungary and how Flatpack Films can bring your project to life through a highly bespoke approach.

New Documentary: Ferenc Puskás in Australia

Ferenc Puskás is a name that needs no introduction in the football world. The legendary Hungarian football star’s achievements on the field have been much celebrated, but little is known about his time coaching a soccer team in suburban Melbourne–until now. A new documentary Ange & the Boss sheds light on Puskás’ time down under and explores themes of immigration, identity and the power of football.

Recognized as one of the world’s most remarkable football players (he is the seventh top goal scorer of all time), Ferenc Puskás was at the core of Hungary’s Golden Team of the 1950s. This was a team that remained unbeaten for 32 consecutive games, became Olympic champions in 1952, and famously beat England 6-3 at Wembley Stadium in 1953.

After the 1956 revolution, Puskás refused to return to Hungary, which led to FIFA banning him from professional football for two years. He eventually went on to become a star player for Real Madrid.

Ferenc Puskás. Picture via Wikipedia.

From European Stardom to Melbourne Suburbia

It sounds like an unlikely story: one of the greatest footballers of all time, the man who inspired FIFA's Puskás Award, goes to Australia and finds himself coaching a semi-professional Greek-backed team in Melbourne in the late 1980s. Yet, that is exactly what happened. Puskás, in his 60s, overweight and speaking little English, found himself at the helm of South Melbourne Hellas, guiding them to a dramatic National Soccer League (NSL) championship in 1991.

Drawn to Australia by Melbourne’s Hungarian community to teach soccer clinics locally, he was soon linked with South Melbourne Hellas through its Greek connections. Puskás had spent time coaching in Greece in the 1970s and for this reason had cultural familiarity and spoke some Greek. But he also had the support of a translator and club captain in a young Ange Postecoglou—now one of the world's top managers, currently head coach of Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League.

The Hungarian ‘Golden Team’, 1953. Puskás is front and centre. Picture via Wikipedia.

A Migrant Story Beyond Football

While Ange & The Boss is a sports documentary at its core, it’s also a film about multicultural Australia in the 1980s and 90s. South Melbourne Hellas was more than just a football club; it was a cultural institution for Greek immigrants, a place where they found community, belonging, and pride. Postecoglou reflects on this in the film, recalling how Greek families had two places of worship on Sundays: the church in the morning and the football club in the afternoon. The documentary captures the rich cultural backdrop of the time, from dimly lit Hungarian clubs to lively Greek restaurants, offering an intimate look at the immigrant experience.

Lost Footage and Hidden Gems

What sets this documentary apart is its wealth of rare archival footage. Puskás, despite his age and physique, is seen playing in local matches, still showcasing his legendary left foot. There are also glimpses of a different era in Australian soccer: a struggling yet passionate NSL, dismissed by mainstream Anglo-Australian sports fans but cherished by its multicultural supporters. The film also delves into the quirks of Puskás’ Australian adventure—his love for food, his aversion to rain, and his non-rigid approach to coaching that emphasized the joy of the game.  

A Labor of Love

Ange & The Boss is a documentary 13 years in the making, driven by the passion of filmmakers Tony Wilson, Cameron Fink, and Rob Heath. Despite funding struggles and the high cost of licensing match footage, they have crafted a film that is both a tribute to Puskás and a celebration of Australian soccer history.

The documentary premiered in Melbourne March 13th with limited theatrical screenings across Australia.  

Sources & further reading:

Ange & The Boss

The Guardian

Documentary Australia

Wikipedia

Flatpack Films has years of experience servicing international brands, agencies, and production companies. Filming in Hungary is easy when relying on their knowledge of the market and ability to solve complex needs. They bring the best that Hungary has to offer in terms of unique locations, exceptionally skilled crews, top-of-the-line equipment and technical solutions. Backed by an impeccable track record, Flatpack Films has worked with world-class clients including Samsung, Samsonite, Toyota, Braun, Chivas Regal and many more.

Get in touch and learn more about Budapest film locations, Hungarian film incentives, film tax credits in Hungary and how Flatpack Films can bring your project to life through a highly bespoke approach.

Oscar Winning Movies Filmed in Hungary

They’ve rolled out the red carpet in preparation for the 97th Academy Awards to be held this Sunday, 2nd March. With three films this year among the list of nominations that were filmed in Hungary, we’re delving into Oscar-winning films of the past that were also shot in this central European country.

As Hungary continues to be a hub for international filming, the number of Oscar nominations with a Hungarian connection is also on the rise. It’s not at all uncommon now for Hungarian filmmakers working behind the scenes on domestic and international features to be nominated–and win, illustrating the level of art and professionalism available in the country.

To chart Hungarian success at the Academy Awards, let’s go all the way back to the 1980s…

Mephisto (1981)

Mephisto. Picture via Wikipedia.

This German-language political drama–directed by legendary Hungarian director István Szabó–won Hungary its first ever Oscar in the best foreign language film category.

Now a classic of Hungarian cinema, the film tells the story of an actor ascending the heights of his profession under the Nazi regime of early 1930s Germany and his dilemma of publicly accepting the Reich’s doctrine or face career suicide by remaining neutral.

Shot predominantly in Hungary, several scenes were filmed in various parts of Germany and Paris.

Cyrano de Bergerac (1990)

This French comedy-drama, based on the 1897 play of the same name by Edmond Rostand, was filmed in Hungary and France.

Starring Gérard Depardieu, the film won an Oscar for best costume design.

Evita (1996)

This was a musical depicting the life of Eva Perón, an Argentine politician, activist, actress, and philanthropist who served as First Lady of Argentina from June 1946 until her death in July 1952. Several filming locations in Budapest (this time standing in for Argentina) were utilized for the film.

The film, starring Madonna in the title role, was nominated in several categories and won an Oscar for best original song: You Must Love Me.

Son of Saul (2015)

Hungarian director László Nemes’ first feature film secured Hungary its second Oscar for best foreign language film. It was filmed over the span of 28 days in Budafok, as suburb just outside Budapest.

It tells the harrowing story of Saul, a Jewish prisoner working at an Auschwitz crematorium, who is determined to give a deceased young boy a proper Jewish burial.

Mindenki (2016)

A Hungarian short film directed by Kristóf Deák, this charming story involving a school choir (and based on true events) won an Oscar for best short, live action film.

Bladerunner 2049 (2017)

Bladerunner. Picture via Imdb.

The much-anticipated sequel to science fiction film Bladerunner, the film was shot on numerous sound stages at both Korda and Origo studios.

The film was nominated in five categories and ended winning two Oscars for cinematography and visual effects.

Dune: Part One (2022)

The first part of the Dune universe garnered ten nominations and went on to win six Oscars. This staggering achievement included that of Hungarian set decorator Zsuzsanna Sipos who clinched a golden statue for production design along with Patrice Vermette.

Poor Things (2024)

Poor Things. Picture via Imdb.

Who can forget the Yorgos Lanthimos hit from 2023 that was nominated in several categories for an Academy Award last year and walked away with four in total. The film starred Emma Stone depicting the character of Bella, a woman on a steep learning curve who has been brought back to life via a brain transplanted from a foetus.

Principal photography took place in Hungary where a highly stylized and opulent world of the late-Victorian era was created. The film’s Hungarian set decorator Zsuzsa Mihalek won an Oscar for production design, along with James Price and Shona Heath.

Who will win in 2025?

This year, The Brutalist, directed by Brady Corbet and shot in Budapest, was nominated for an Oscar in a total of ten categories, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor (Adrien Brody). But locally, all eyes will be on the best film editing category where Hungarian Dávid Jancsó has been nominated for an Oscar.

Jancsó is descended from film “royalty”; his father is Miklós Jancsó, an internationally celebrated Hungarian film director and screenwriter, and his mother is film editor Zsuzsa Csákány.

Dune: Part Two and Maria, both filmed at least partly in Hungary, have also been nominated for Oscars. Maria–the film based on the life of Maria Callas–is nominated for cinematography while Dune: Part Two is in the running for an award in five categories: Best Picture, visual effects, production design, cinematography and sound.

We’lll be watching bleary-eyed until the wee hours of Monday morning to see if we can add more Oscar wins with a Hungarian connection to the list!

Update: Dune: Part Two (filmed in Hungary) wins two Academy Awards for Best Visual Effects and Best Sound.

The 97th Academy Award Winners

Flatpack Films has years of experience servicing international brands, agencies, and production companies. Filming in Hungary is easy when relying on their knowledge of the market and ability to solve complex needs. They bring the best that Hungary has to offer in terms of unique locations, exceptionally skilled crews, top-of-the-line equipment and technical solutions. Backed by an impeccable track record, Flatpack Films has worked with world-class clients including Samsung, Samsonite, Toyota, Braun, Chivas Regal and many more.

Get in touch and learn more about Budapest film locations, Hungarian film incentives, film tax credits in Hungary and how Flatpack Films can bring your project to life through a highly bespoke approach.

Stars Filming in Budapest

Celeb hunters should get their skates on because a bunch of stars of the screen are currently rubbing shoulders with the rest of us while they make a home away from home in Budapest.

Keanu Reeves. Photo via Wikipedia.

With its strong cinematic traditions, and known as a hub or international film production, Budapest has often been referred to as Hollywood on the Danube. And with the filming boom clearly continuing into 2025, a steady rotation of world-famous actors can usually be relied upon to pop up in various locations across the capital.

Emilia Clark, reportedly starring in a new series (Ponies) with Haley Lu Richardson (The White Lotus), is in town and has been spotted getting her nails done at legendary local salon Yom Tov Nail Art. It’s hardly surprising that Hungary was chosen as a filming location considering the premise of the show; it’s a spy story set during the Cold War. Portraying Moscow in that era is hardly a stretch for multifaceted Budapest.

And it was less than a couple of weeks ago when spectators in the city got front row seats to an action scene filmed near the Chain Bridge. A stunt performer could be seen hanging precariously from a helicopter flying low over the Danube. The whole area, including the embankment on the Pest side of the river, was closed for filming over that weekend. It was speculated by The Budapest Reporter that the film in question might have been Matchbox starring John Cena and directed by Sam Hargrave.

Meanwhile, Spanish-German actor Daniel Brühl (Goodbye, Lenin!, Becoming Karl Lagerfeld, All Quiet on the Western Front, and Inglourious Basterds) has also been spotted at popular Raman food-bar, 101 Neo. He’s in town with Oscar-nominated Swedish director, Ruben Östlund, who is filming his latest English-language feature, The Entertainment System is Down. Filming is reportedly taking place on board an old Boeing 747 specially bought for the purpose. The pair were also recently spotted going to the theatre. They attended a Budapest production of Lavina, a play based on one of Östlund’s earlier films, Force Majeure.

Emilia Clarke. Photo via Imdb.

Keanu Reeves and Kirsten Dunst also star in Östlund’s feature currently filming in Budapest. According to Blikk, Reeves is discretely staying downtown during the 70-day shoot–not in a hotel–but somewhere he can explore the city on foot and be in proximity to museums and galleries.

Culture vultures should therefore be on alert; you never know who might be standing–or sitting–beside you when getting your next art-fix!

Flatpack Films has years of experience servicing international brands, agencies and production companies. Filming in Hungary is easy when relying on their knowledge of the market and ability to solve complex needs. They bring the best that Hungary has to offer in terms of unique locations, exceptionally skilled crews, top-of-the-line equipment and technical solutions. Backed by an impeccable track record, Flatpack Films has worked with world-class clients including Samsung, Samsonite, Toyota, Braun, Chivas Regal and many more.

Get in touch and learn more about Budapest film locations, Hungarian film incentives, film tax credits in Hungary and how Flatpack Films can bring your project to life through a highly bespoke approach.

Location Scout: The Palace Hotel in Lillafüred, Hungary

With its fairy-tale-like romantic architecture and forest location, The Lillafüred Palace Hotel is a strong contender for the title of most Wes Anderson film location in Hungary. Let’s find out why. 

Hotel Palota Lillafüred. Photo via Tripadvisor

Count István Bethlen, Prime Minister of Hungary in the 1920s, was the one who came up with the bright idea of building a luxury hotel and resort in Lillafüred, a small town north-east of Budapest. He was keen to have a spot for government ‘recreation’ outside the capital, where politicians could let their hair down, make deals and cultivate international relationships in a more relaxed setting. However, as construction took place at the end of the 1920s (coinciding with a major global financial crisis) the project met with a lot of criticism and was considered fiscally irresponsible–not surprisingly.

Designed by renowned architect of the time Kálmán Lux, the hotel was inspired by the style of the fifteen-century, evoking the grand hunting lodges of the ultimate Renaissance man of Hungary, King Matthias. From its opening in 1930 until 1945, the hotel was a favoured haunt of high society guests, hosting many conferences and congresses. It was the venue for the 1933 congress of writers and said to be the inspiration for the poem Ode by revered Hungarian poet, Attila József. The Palace Hotel was no stranger to the world of film either; the classic Hungarian romantic comedy Dream Car of 1934 was partially filmed here.

Nestled among the rolling hills and lush forests of the outrageously picturesque Bükk National Park, the hotel offers a unique filming location. From its spires and stone-work to its majestic wooden staircase, carved ceiling tiles and stained-glass windows, this is clearly the place Hogwarts would be located if there was ever a need for a sister school in Hungary. Adding to its attractions is the proximity of the thermal baths in nearby Miskolctapolca, located in a 150-metre-long cave complex that is hundreds of thousands of years old.

The Palace Hotel in Lillafüred is a location in Hungary that could be used by international film productions (not necessarily just Wes Anderson ones) while also taking advantage of the country’s generous tax rebate and professional crew.

Hotel Palota Lillafüred

Flatpack Films has years of experience servicing international brands, agencies and production companies. Filming in Hungary is easy when relying on their knowledge of the market and ability to solve complex needs. They bring the best that Hungary has to offer in terms of unique locations, exceptionally skilled crews, top-of-the-line equipment and technical solutions. Backed by an impeccable track record, Flatpack Films has worked with world-class clients including Samsung, Samsonite, Toyota, Braun, Chivas Regal and many more.

Get in touch and learn more about Budapest film locations, Hungarian film incentives, film tax credits in Hungary and how Flatpack Films can bring your project to life through a highly bespoke approach.

Hungary Expands Its Global Film Presence with the Opening of New NFI Studios in Budapest

Hungary has cemented its status as a premier destination for international film productions with the grand opening of the expanded National Film Institute (NFI) Studios in Fót, near Budapest.

NFI Studios via www.nfi.hu

This milestone development, a landmark state investment launched in 2020, significantly boosts the country’s filmmaking infrastructure as it increases studio capacity by 22% nationwide. The expansion aims to meet the growing demand for high-quality production facilities, further positioning Hungary as a top-tier filming hub.

Hungary’s film industry boasts a rich tradition spanning over 124 years, with an annual production value nearing $1 billion—a fivefold increase since 2018. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, speaking at the opening ceremony, emphasized Hungary’s deep-rooted cinematic heritage, noting that the nation has played a pivotal role globally in filmmaking since the silent film era.

Government Commissioner Csaba Kael highlighted the significance of the expansion, likening it to the last major state investment in the industry in 1936, which saw the establishment of one of Central Europe’s largest studios at the time. The latest NFI Studios development ensures Hungary remains competitive internationally by continuing to attract blockbuster productions.

Cutting-Edge Facilities for Large-Scale Productions

The NFI Studios expansion includes four new state-of-the-art soundstages, adding 10,000 square meters of studio space, 20,000 square meters of auxiliary facilities, and 135,000 square meters of green areas. Notably, two of these soundstages can be combined using a mobile soundproof wall, creating an expansive 5,000 square-meter filming space to accommodate large-scale productions.

Productions such as The Witcher, Blade Runner 2049, and Terminator: Dark Fate have already benefited from Hungary’s advanced facilities. But growing demand brings inevitable strain on available infrastructure. The NFI development addresses Hungary’s recent shortage in certified soundstage capacity, which previously led to scheduling conflicts and lost production opportunities. The expanded studio space will enable the country to continue attracting blockbuster films and high-end TV series.

Via www.nfi.hu

A Bright Future for Filmmaking in Hungary

Hungary’s 30% tax incentive for film and television productions has been extended until 2030, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to the global entertainment industry. With the expansion of NFI Studios, filmmakers now have access to world-class facilities, including versatile backlot sets, extensive prop and costume collections, and the renowned outdoor water tank used in Blade Runner 2049 and The Day of the Jackal.

This latest investment is a welcome addition to other world-class studios available in the country at Korda, Origo and Stern. As a result, it seems Hungary will retain its reputation as the most popular film production hub in Europe after London.

Sources & Further Information:

Film New Europe

NFI

Flatpack Films has years of experience servicing international brands, agencies and production companies. Filming in Hungary is easy when relying on their knowledge of the market and ability to solve complex needs. They bring the best that Hungary has to offer in terms of unique locations, exceptionally skilled crews, top-of-the-line equipment and technical solutions. Backed by an impeccable track record, Flatpack Films has worked with world-class clients including Samsung, Samsonite, Toyota, Braun, Chivas Regal and many more.

Get in touch and learn more about Budapest film locations, Hungarian film incentives, film tax credits in Hungary and how Flatpack Films can bring your project to life through a highly bespoke approach.

The Brutalist, Brutalism, and the Real Grand Budapest Hotel

Are you wondering about the meaning behind the title of the film by Brady Corbet starring Adrien Brody, The Brutalist? And what’s that got to do with The Grand Budapest Hotel by Wes Anderson?

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Full disclosure upfront: the connection between these two films lives mostly in my own head. Both have links to Budapest, Hungary–although Wes Anderson’s film only has a tenuous one via the name of the hotel. But there is an interesting cross-section of trivia concerning brutalist architecture in Budapest that die-hard cinema fans might be interested to know.

The Grand Budapest Hotel

As one of the most popular Wes Anderson films, there are always a lot of questions posed online as to where filming took place and where the real Grand Budapest Hotel can be found. The fairytale-like exterior of the hotel featured in the film was unfortunately not filmed in Budapest. It was, in fact, only a model, although Anderson was clearly inspired by the aesthetic of Central Europe’s Secessionist and Art Nouveau style. Interior filming took place (and sets were inspired by) an old department store in eastern Germany in the city of Görlitz, near the border of Czechia and Poland.

But there is an actual Hotel Budapest in Budapest which could be seen, architecturally speaking, to be the complete opposite to the style of the hotel in the Wes Anderson film. This is because the real Hotel Budapest was built in the brutalist style of the 20th century.

Brutalism in The Brutalist

We’ve written about Brutalism in previous posts: a mid-century architectural movement particularly popular in Eastern Europe (The Soviet Union and ex-Soviet satellite nations) as well as in the UK where it originated. The style commonly featured unpainted concrete or brick and angular shapes and was characterised by highly minimalist design that eschewed anything ornate or decorative.

Several striking examples of the style exist in Budapest, one of which being the Hotel Budapest, locally referred to as körszálló (the round hotel) because the building is perfectly, well, round.

The Hungarian architect behind Hotel Budapest

Designed by György Szrogh, an Ybl Miklós-prize-winning Hungarian architect, the hotel (comprising of 19 levels and 280 rooms) was finished in 1967. The building was considered very Avante-garde and the building methods utilized in its construction ground-breaking at the time. It quickly became a hot spot for local and international stars to stay and party hard, the bar and terrace at the top of the building especially popular for the bird’s eye views it afforded across the city. 

Hotel Budapest, located on the Buda side of the river, has become an iconic landmark of the city and had still been functioning as a hotel up until the beginning of this year. Due to a change in owners (according to current news reports) the new owners of the building are in negotiations over refurbishments with plans to open again as an exclusive residential building.

Flatpack Films has years of experience servicing international brands, agencies and production companies. Filming in Hungary is easy when relying on their knowledge of the market and ability to solve complex needs. They bring the best that Hungary has to offer in terms of unique locations, exceptionally skilled crews, top-of-the-line equipment and technical solutions. Backed by an impeccable track record, Flatpack Films has worked with world-class clients including Samsung, Samsonite, Toyota, Braun, Chivas Regal and many more.

Get in touch and learn more about Budapest film locations, Hungarian film incentives, film tax credits in Hungary and how Flatpack Films can bring your project to life through a highly bespoke approach.

Central Europe’s Largest Virtual Production Studio Opens Near Budapest

Hungary has taken a step into the future with the opening of a virtual production studio–the largest of its kind in Central Europe. Located just outside Budapest, this is the latest in state-of-the-art facilities available to local and international productions seeking to film features, TV series, commercials or music videos in Hungary.

A joint undertaking developed between Visual Europe Group and Origo Film Group, the 2,000-square-meter studio allows film makers to replace the traditional green screens with dynamic, 3D environments. Actors will be able to perform against various digital screens, including the main 28-metre-wide curved ROE LED. Essentially, this means that the backdrops will change seamlessly with the narrative in real-time.

Elevating Budapest’s Status in Global Filmmaking 

Hungary is already a favoured destination for international productions, thanks to its skilled crew, diverse filming locations, and attractive tax incentives. In response, studios in the country are expanding fast and utilizing the latest in filming technologies to meet the increasing demand.

Revolutionizing Filmmaking with Virtual Production 

Virtual production has become a game-changer for filmmakers worldwide. By combining augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and LED wall technology, studios like United Illusions offer greater creative control and cost efficiency. Traditional location shoots and costly set construction are minimized, as filmmakers can create visually stunning, photorealistic environments within a controlled studio setting. 

The new Budapest facility’s design aligns with international production standards, earning certification and support from ARRI, a global leader in film technology. And, according to United Illusion’s website, the company is committed to not only cementing Budapest as a filming destination, but to also expanding its reputation as a centre for technological innovation and leader in virtual production.

Sources & Further Information: 

United Illusions

Trademagazin.hu

Flatpack Films has years of experience servicing international brands, agencies and production companies. Filming in Hungary is easy when relying on their knowledge of the market and ability to solve complex needs. They bring the best that Hungary has to offer in terms of unique locations, exceptionally skilled crews, top-of-the-line equipment and technical solutions. Backed by an impeccable track record, Flatpack Films has worked with world-class clients including Samsung, Samsonite, Toyota, Braun, Chivas Regal and many more.

Get in touch and learn more about Hungarian film incentives and film tax credits in Hungary and how Flatpack Films can bring your project to life through a highly bespoke approach.

Filmed in Hungary: Exploring Budapest Through the Lens of VIENNA BLOOD

Vienna Blood is a popular BBC period drama that recently aired its fourth season in the U.S. If you’re a long-time reader of this blog, then you’ll not be surprised to learn that many of the key scenes for this season (as well as season three) were filmed not in Vienna, but in Budapest, Hungary.

Budapest is a real chameleon when it comes to doubling as a range of other cities across the world, but perhaps stepping in for Vienna (considering their intertwined history and close resemblance) is not such a big challenge. And while much of Vienna Blood is set in the Austrian capital, seasons three and four ventured across borders, utilizing several locations in Budapest to bring the series’ atmospheric storytelling to life.

Set in early 1900s Vienna, the series revolves around an unlikely duo who are thrown together to solve murder cases in the Austrian capital: Inspector Oskar Rheinhardt from the Vienna police department and Dr Max Liebermann, a young physician studying neurology and psychoanalysis under Sigmund Freud.

Budapest’s Historic Sights as featured in Vienna Blood

Via www.parisiudvarhotel.hu

1. Párisi Udvar Hotel

Featured prominently in the third and fourth seasons, the Párisi Udvar Hotel is one of Budapest’s most opulent landmarks. This Art Nouveau masterpiece boasts intricate mosaic tiles, ornate glass ceilings, and a grandeur that perfectly complements the show’s early 20th-century aesthetic. 

2. Vígszínház Theatre

 Another standout location is the Vígszínház Theatre, a 125-year-old cultural treasure and one the major venues in Budapest for live stage shows with the ability to seat 1,700. In the series, the theatre served as the setting for Ibsen’s The Doll’s House rehearsals.

3. Bédő House

A hidden gem tucked away in the heart of Budapest, Bédő House is another filming location that encapsulates the city’s rich Art Nouveau heritage. Originally an apartment block designed by Emil Vidor in 1903, it’s three levels overflowing with porcelain, paintings, furniture and artwork that are now a shrine to the Hungarian Successionist movement.

Via Wikipedia

4. National Museum of Hungary

One of the oldest (and most imposing) public museums in Hungary, the National Museum and its neoclassical design takes a role in season three, episode two of the series.

5. Hazai Bank Building

While the Loos House in Vienna stands in for the exterior shots of the fashion house run by Kristina Vogl, the interior scenes were filmed in the opulence of the Hazai Bank in Budapest. The distinctive style and historical resonance of the building are emblematic of Budapest’s ability to double as turn-of-the-century Vienna.

Why Budapest is a Filmmaker’s Dream 

Budapest has long been a favourite of international production companies, thanks to its eclectic architecture, generous tax rebate and affordable production costs. The city effortlessly morphs into various locales, from Victorian-era England to Imperial Vienna and beyond. Its cobblestone streets, grand boulevards, meticulously preserved historic buildings, mid-century brutalist marvels (as well as instances of more futuristic, modern architecture) provide filmmakers with diverse and atmospheric backdrops, whatever the epoch. 

Flatpack Films has years of experience servicing international brands, agencies and production companies. Filming in Hungary is easy when relying on their knowledge of the market and ability to solve complex needs. They bring the best that Hungary has to offer in terms of unique locations, exceptionally skilled crews, top-of-the-line equipment and technical solutions. Backed by an impeccable track record, Flatpack Films has worked with world-class clients including Samsung, Samsonite, Toyota, Braun, Chivas Regal and many more.

Get in touch and learn more about Budapest film locations, Hungarian film incentives, film tax credits in Hungary and how Flatpack Films can bring your project to life through a highly bespoke approach.

Filmed in Hungary: Behind the Scenes of Dune: Prophecy

HBO’s Dune: Prophecy is the highly anticipated prequel to the Dune saga. And, like the feature film, the TV series’ principal photography took place in Hungary. 

Set 10,000 years before the events of Frank Herbert’s iconic universe, the show delves into the origins of the Bene Gesserit sisterhood. The story tracks the journey of young Valya Harkonnen (played by Jessica Barden), a member of the Harkonnen family who will eventually become a pivotal figure within the secretive order. 

Dune: Prophecy utilized sets at Origo Studios in Budapest as well as venturing further afield, uncovering a unique, other-worldly spot that would be difficult to place in Hungary unless you were really in the know: the cave dwellings in Bükkalja. It’s one of the show’s most visually arresting locations, used to represent the base of the Harkonnen family on the icy, desolate planet Lankiveil.

Via www.bukkvidekgeopark.com. Photo by Megyeri Balázs (BNPI)

The Bükk region is hauntingly beautiful, with countryside dominated by forests, rolling green hills, valleys and creeks. And Bükkalja, where these caves are located, has the largest area of rhyolite tuff in Central Europe, volcanic rock formed some 19–20 million years ago. 

Tuff is a special type of rock that is relatively soft and easy to carve and mine. The man-made caves (known locally as Pocem) that were dug here from around the 19th century were used as homes, wine cellars, and shelters, thus making “stone culture” integral to the evolution of the area and its way of life.

Recognized as something uniquely Hungarian since 2013 and included in the UNESCO Global Geopark network in 2024, these caves have become a cultural and geological treasure. Perhaps the cinematic portrayal of the dwellings in Dune: Prophecy will pique the interest not only of audiences worldwide, but also filmmakers looking for filming locations with a difference in Europe and Hungary.

Sources & further information

Budapest Reporter

Hungary Today

www.bukkvidekgeopark.com

Flatpack Films has years of experience servicing international brands, agencies and production companies. Filming in Hungary is easy when relying on their knowledge of the market and ability to solve complex needs. They bring the best that Hungary has to offer in terms of unique locations, exceptionally skilled crews, top-of-the-line equipment and technical solutions. Backed by an impeccable track record, Flatpack Films has worked with world-class clients including Samsung, Samsonite, Toyota, Braun, Chivas Regal and many more.

Get in touch and learn more about Budapest film locations, Hungarian film incentives, film tax credits in Hungary and how Flatpack Films can bring your project to life through a highly bespoke approach.

Dive into 2025 with Budapest’s Thermal Baths

Budapest, Hungary, is recognized as a hotspot for international filmmakers seeking authentic European charm, inspiring shooting locations and bang for buck. But it’s also known as the City of Spas, famous for its thermal bath culture. Wellness tourism is big here, for visitors and locals alike, and offers a unique way to unwind while marvelling at some beautiful architecture in the process.

1. Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Széchenyi Baths. Picture via Wikipedia.

One of the largest medicinal baths in Europe, this thermal spa began construction at the end of the twentieth century, opening its doors in 1913. Expanded in 1927, the complex includes three outdoor and fifteen indoor pools, whirlpools, saunas and steam rooms. Temperatures vary between 18 and 38 degrees Celsius.

The idea of lounging in the outdoor pool section with locals playing chess in their speedos doesn’t captivate you? It should. Try gazing at the vibrant yellow façade of the opulent neo-baroque buildings while steam rises from the warm water in the dead of winter and do some mind prep for 2025.

 2. Gellért Thermal Bath

Gellért Baths. Image from www.gellertbath.hu

Utilizing the mineral hot springs under Gellért hill, these baths are attached to the grand Gellért Hotel that overlooks the Danube River. Opened in 1918, the spa complex was expanded to include an outdoor wave pool in 1937 (apparently the first of its kind). References to the healing waters here date back to the 13th century.

Located on the Buda side of the city, this spa is for lovers of Art Nouveau. From the grand, sweeping entrance hall and stained-glass windows to the intricate sculptures of Miklós Ligeti and turquoise blue mosaic tiling of the baths inside (from Zsolnay porcelain), this place is guaranteed to transport you to another era and make you feel nothing short of royal.

3. Rudas Baths

Rudas Baths. Picture from www.termalfurdok.hu

These baths were originally commissioned by pasha Sokullu Mustafa (who was the governor of Buda from 1566 to 1578 during the Ottoman occupation) and finished around 1571. The historical part of this spa complex retains many elements of a traditional Turkish Hammam, characterised by its Ottoman dome and octagonal pool.

Just up the road from the Gellért, the baths have since been expanded with a more modern wing that includes several therapy pools and an indoor swimming pool. But perhaps what sets this complex apart is the outdoor rooftop mega jacuzzi that offers a stunning view across the Danube River and Budapest’s skyline. A definite for date night.

4. Lukács Baths

Lukács Baths. Image from Wikipedia.

Near Margit bridge on the Buda side, the buildings of this spa were completed in the 1880s and the complex named after Saint Luke–who is thought to have been a physician and disciple of Saint Paul.

While Széchenyi and Gellért lure visitors with their picturesque architecture, Lukács is aesthetically perhaps more on the functional side; a place where many locals go just to take advantage of the water’s health benefits. Nevertheless, it still delivers an authentic thermal spa experience with both outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool, indoor baths, saunas and steam rooms. In summer, a sunning deck near the outdoor pools are a winner if you’re looking for alternatives to the run-of-the-mill public pool.

5. Császár Baths (Kaiser or Veli Bej baths)

Császár Baths. Image from www.termalfurdok.hu

If you’re after a hidden gem that is less touristy than the complexes above, try Veli Bej. Also commissioned by the Ottoman pasha Sokullu Mustafa, this one is said to be the oldest surviving Turkish bath in Budapest (but who’s going to quibble about a few years when we’re talking about the 16th century). The healing properties of the water here have been known since Roman times.

Renamed the Császár Baths after Ottoman occupation ended, the original octagon-shaped pool (also under the characteristic dome) has been fully refurbished for the ultimate authentic Turkish bath experience. The spa area has been expanded to include a jacuzzi and saunas that are attached to the swimming pool complex of the Császár Hotel.

Budapest’s thermal baths aren’t just about relaxation—they’re about immersion, both culturally and visually. From the imposing Széchenyi to the intimate Császár, these legendary spas offer inspiration for filmmakers and visitors alike.

Plan your next film shoot in Budapest, have a soak, and discover why this city continues to captivate storytellers from around the globe.

Sources & further information:

Széchenyi

Gellért

Rudas

Lukács

Császár

Veli Bej

Flatpack Films has years of experience servicing international brands, agencies and production companies. Filming in Hungary is easy when relying on their knowledge of the market and ability to solve complex needs. They bring the best that Hungary has to offer in terms of unique locations, exceptionally skilled crews, top-of-the-line equipment and technical solutions. Backed by an impeccable track record, Flatpack Films has worked with world-class clients including Samsung, Samsonite, Toyota, Braun, Chivas Regal and many more.

Get in touch and learn more about Budapest film locations, Hungarian film incentives, film tax credits in Hungary and how Flatpack Films can bring your project to life through a highly bespoke approach.

A Legend of the Opera Filmed in Budapest: Maria

Recently released in cinemas, Maria is a beguiling film that recounts the highs and lows of opera icon Maria Callas’ life, cut short at the age of 53.

Starring Angelina Jolie as the title character and directed by Pablo Larraín, the film utilized several locations across Europe. Filming partly took place in Budapest, Hungary, which is hardly surprising. It’s become one of the most popular filming destinations in Europe for international film productions.

The Story Behind Maria

Maria Callas, famously known as “La Divina” (the divine one), is revered as one of the great opera singers of all time. The film reimagines the final days of the American-born Greek soprano’s life as she reflects on the peaks and troughs of her career, turbulent love life and complicated identity. Callas had been living at the time for several years in relative isolation in Paris, but Larraín describes Maria as a story of determination: “This is a movie about someone who becomes part of the tragedies she performed on stage, but who was never a victim. It’s about someone in control of her destiny.” 

Angelina Jolie immersed herself fully in the role of Callas through extensive preparation. This not only included undergoing seven months of singing lessons (her voice was mixed with that of Callas in post-production) but also learning how to give dog commands in Hungarian so she could work with the film’s canine co-stars.

Jolie successfully captures Callas’ strength, her drama and her vulnerability. The film received an eight-minute standing ovation at its premier at the Venice Film Festival this year and there’s already buzz regarding a possible Oscar nomination for Jolie.

"There's a lot that's deeply felt and very heavy about the film, but there's also a great amount of charm," Jolie revealed in an interview. "It was very important to capture her relationships, her home life, her eccentricities – and her poodles."

Maria Callas. Photo via Wikipedia.

Budapest as a Filming Location

Although the story unfolds in Paris, Budapest stood in for some of the film’s key locations. The Hungarian Opera House and the Budapest Academy of Music were both used for critical scenes (where Callas is depicted performing or rehearsing), as was the Fine Arts Museum and the old TV headquarters at Szabadság Square. The interior of Callas’ Paris apartment was also meticulously designed and recreated (by Academy Award nominated production designer Guy Hendrix Dyas) on a sound stage at Origo Film Studios in Budapest.

Maria Callas in 1973. Via Wikipedia.

Crafting Callas’ Costumes

Maria Callas was as much a style diva as she was an opera diva on stage–and by diva, we mean total icon. Academy Award Nominated Costume designer Massimo Cantini Parrini created over 60 outfits for Jolie, from stage gowns to elegant everyday wear. Being an avid collector of rare vintage pieces, Parrini also just so happened to have an original Callas dress and evening coat on hand in his collection that was used for one of the scenes.

Maria is in cinemas in Hungary now. Following a theatrical release throughout the UK and other European territories in early 2025, it will stream on Netflix.

Sources & further information

Netflix

 USA Today

Filming Locations

Flatpack Films has years of experience servicing international brands, agencies, and production companies. Filming in Hungary is easy when relying on their knowledge of the market and ability to solve complex needs. They bring the best that Hungary has to offer in terms of unique locations, exceptionally skilled crews, top-of-the-line equipment and technical solutions. Backed by an impeccable track record, Flatpack Films has worked with world-class clients including Samsung, Samsonite, Toyota, Braun, Chivas Regal and many more.

Get in touch and learn more about Budapest film locations, Hungarian film incentives, film tax credits in Hungary and how Flatpack Films can bring your project to life through a highly bespoke approach.

Cold war films shot in Budapest

This November marked 35 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall, one of the decisive events that eventually led to the collapse of the Soviet bloc. To mark the anniversary, we’re looking at two great films anchored in this era that were (at least partly) filmed in Budapest.  

For all of you too young to remember: the Cold War was a period of fluctuating tensions between the USA and the Soviet Union that encompassed psychological political tactics, the nuclear weapons arms race, cat and mouse spy games and proxy wars that took place from the end of the Second World War until the Soviet Union (USSR) was dissolved in 1991.

Ronald Reagan, US President back during the 80s, famously termed the Soviet Union the “Evil Empire” in 1983 at the height of Cold War tensions between the Soviets and the Western powers.

It’s an era that has carved out its own film genre.

Like any period of history fraught with conflict, the Cold War as subject material created some exceptional cinema. Particular favourites set during the 1970s and 1980s that stand out in my mind are films like Gorky Park (1983) and The Hunt for Red October (1990), or more recently The Lives of Others (2006).

Hungary, tucked behind the iron curtain as a Soviet satellite state for over forty years, is a country steeped in Cold War history. For this reason, it’s been a logical filming destination for some international productions when depicting stories set in this era.

So, let’s have a look at two notable films set against the backdrop of this fascinating period.

Atomic Blonde (2017)

Directed by David Leitch and starring Charlize Theron, Atomic Blonde is a frenetic, action-packed thriller set in the final days of the Cold War. A visual homage to the unabashed audacity of 80s style, the film was shot primarily in Budapest thanks to the city’s ability to portray East and West Berlin, Paris and London. The story centres on an MI6 agent tasked with recovering a list of double agents in a divided Berlin before it falls into the wrong hands.

Locations filmed around Budapest: several street locations, 19th century apartment buildings, New York Café, The State Opera House and the now defunct Terminal 1 of Liszt Ferenc International Airport.

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (2011)

What is it with Gary Oldman playing the quintessential Brit spy? Way before Slow Horses, Gary Oldman starred in this film that was based on John le Carré's classic novel, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. Oldman plays George Smiley, a retired MI6 agent determined to uncover a Soviet mole within the organization. While much of the filming took place in the UK, some notable scenes were filmed in Budapest–a good choice considering the events that instigate the plot of the film do indeed take place in… Budapest.  

Filming in Budapest took place at the Western Railway Station and Paris Courtyard.

Sources & further reading:

Screenrant

Movie Locations

Flatpack Films has years of experience servicing international brands, agencies, and production companies. Filming in Hungary is easy when relying on their knowledge of the market and ability to solve complex needs. They bring the best that Hungary has to offer in terms of unique locations, exceptionally skilled crews, top-of-the-line equipment and technical solutions. Backed by an impeccable track record, Flatpack Films has worked with world-class clients including Samsung, Samsonite, Toyota, Braun, Chivas Regal and many more.

Get in touch and learn more about Budapest film locations, Hungarian film incentives, film tax credits in Hungary and how Flatpack Films can bring your project to life through a highly bespoke approach.  

Film Depicting Historical Medical Hero is Hungary’s Oscar Hopeful

Semmelweis, directed by renowned filmmaker Lajos Koltai, has been selected as Hungary’s official submission for Best International Feature to the upcoming 97th Academy Awards.

The film depicts the life of Ignác Semmelweis, the 19th-century Hungarian physician of German extraction whose revolutionary ideas about handwashing and sanitation helped to drastically cut mortality rates of women in Vienna General Hospital’s maternity ward. The good doctor’s pioneering work in the field of antiseptic procedures earned him the title “Savior of Mothers”.

On a Medical Mission

The film takes viewers back to Vienna in 1847 (to a period before Louis Pasteur’s germ theory was accepted) when hospital hygiene was yet to be considered a basic requirement. This led to the doctor’s obstetric ward having three times the mortality rate of the midwives’ wards due to cases of puerperal fever– a bacterial infection in the birth canal. Semmelweis (played by Miklós H. Vecsei) is a dedicated, no-nonsense doctor whose determination to discover the root cause of the deaths pits him against a rigid medical establishment.

Vecsei’s charismatic portrayal of Semmelweis transforms the historical figure into a dynamic protagonist. The screenplay by Balázs Maruszki balances the medical with elements of political and courtroom drama. Semmelweis’s battle is not only against deadly infections but also against a system resistant to change. A subplot involving Emma Hoffman (a fictional midwife played by Katica Nagy sent by the hospital administrator to spy on Semmelweis) increases the stakes as the character’s loyalties start to shift.

The film’s climax, set in an old-fashioned operating theatre turned courtroom, offers a powerful and visually striking scene where Semmelweis defends his radical methods before a sceptical audience. This blend of genres elevates Semmelweis from a straightforward biopic to a gripping, multifaceted drama. 

Filmed in Hungary

The director of the film, Lajos Koltai (known for his work as a cinematographer on films such as István Szabó’sMephisto and nominated for an Academy Award for Malena), faced challenges in bringing 19th-century Vienna to life. After a recent screening of the film in Los Angeles, he explained during a Q & A hosted by Gold Derby that there were no streets in Vienna where he could easily shoot the movie. Instead, he built the sets and filmed everything in Hungary. Koltai and the production designers meticulously recreated the historical setting down to the smallest detail–no small feat considering the need to build a hospital setting authentic to the time period.

Semmelweis performed strongly on the domestic market. It clearly resonated with Hungarian audiences and was considered a box-office success. The film received 16 nominations at the Hungarian Motion Picture Awards, ultimately winning six, including Best Feature Film and Best Director for Koltai.

Now that the film has been submitted for consideration as Hungary’s entry for the Academy Awards, we’ll have to wait and see if it progresses to the shortlist stage, announced on December 17th, 2024.

Sources & further information

Variety

Yahoo Entertainment

Wikipedia: Semmelweis

Wikipedia: Lajos Koltai

Flatpack Films has years of experience servicing international brands, agencies, and production companies. Filming in Hungary is easy when relying on their knowledge of the market and ability to solve complex needs. They bring the best that Hungary has to offer in terms of unique locations, exceptionally skilled crews, top-of-the-line equipment and technical solutions. Backed by an impeccable track record, Flatpack Films has worked with world-class clients including Samsung, Samsonite, Toyota, Braun, Chivas Regal and many more.

Get in touch and learn more about Budapest film locations, Hungarian film incentives, film tax credits in Hungary and how Flatpack Films can bring your project to life through a highly bespoke approach.

Sándor Galimberti and Valéria Dénes: The Hungarian Painting Power Couple of Their Time

Galimberti & Dénes, both talented Hungarian painters at the beginning of the 20th century, find each other in Paris and get married. But, on the verge of international artistic stardom, World War One intervenes, cutting their careers – and their lives – tragically short.

Valéria Dénes & Sándor Galimberti

The couple have become seminal figures of early twentieth century modern Hungarian painting, so I jumped at the chance to catch a temporary exhibition of their paintings at the National Gallery (located in the Buda Castle in Budapest). Keen to learn more about them, I was pleasantly surprised to discover some recently uncovered bombshells concerning their work.

The Early Years

Sándor Galimberti was born in 1883 into a family that had immigrated to Kaposvár in Southern Hungary. Sándor’s father, Luigi Galimberti (from Trieste, Italy) had studied painting at the Fine Arts Academy in Venice. It was one of his father’s friends, (the acclaimed Hungarian painter József Rippl-Rónai) who noticed the junior Galimberti’s talent. Sándor spent time studying at the School for Applied for Arts in Budapest as well as at the Fine Arts Academy in Munich before going to Paris in 1905 to immerse himself in the avant-garde art scene there.

Born in 1877 to parents who encouraged her artistic leanings, Valéria Dénes began studying painting with esteemed Hungarian painter Zsigmond Vajda, then attended a private painting school in Budapest run by the artist Ferenc Szablya-Frischauf. In 1906 she went to Paris where she eventually became an apprentice to Henri Matisse. Before leaving for Paris to continue their painting careers, both Dénes and Galimberti attended the Nagybánya artists’ colony, the well-known Hungarian centre for plein air painting and artistic experimentation.

Valéria Dénes, STILL LIFE WITH FLOWERS, 1908-1910.

A Union of Love and Art

Dénes and Galimberti married in the early 1910s. Their relationship was clearly a meeting of hearts as well as minds, their lives profoundly intertwined as they explored their mutual love of art and painting. 

By this time based in Paris, Dénes and Galimberti travelled to the south of France and north Africa, inseparable as artists and active participants in Hungary’s burgeoning avant-garde movement. Frequently contributing to exhibitions (such as the Salon in Paris), in 1914 they also held a solo show at the gallery in Montmartre founded by Berthe Weill – the renowned art dealer who launched the careers of Picasso and Matisse.

Sándor Galimberti, INTERIOR WITH BENTWOOD CHAIR, 1908

Galimberti’s early works reflect an academic and impressionist influence, but as he grew, his style evolved to incorporate elements of Post-Impressionism and Expressionism. He became deeply influenced by Paul Cézanne and Vincent van Gogh, adopting their techniques to create compositions that explored structure, colour, and depth. Dénes similarly showed unflinching bravery and ambition in stepping out of her comfort zone and evolving her art, particularly apparent in her later exploration of cubism. The couple’s oeuvre encompasses multiple art movements, from plein air naturalism and art nouveau to fauvism and futurism. They also became known as being among the first Hungarian Cubists.

The Dénes painting now known as Bruges was bought at auction in 2019 for the highest price any female Hungarian artist has as of yet commanded. But that'‘s not the bombshell. Research in the run-up to this current exhibition at the National Gallery uncovered that some of the paintings once thought of as being Galimberti’s were in fact painted by his wife. This includes the most celebrated of the couple’s paintings, Amsterdam.

Valéria Dénes, AMSTERDAM, 1914-1915

On closer inspection of this truly unique and eye-catching painting, it became clear that not only had they got the painter wrong, but also the location. The work actually depicts the Dutch seaside town of Scheveningen. (Incidentally, the picture above does this painting no justice. It simply must be seen in real life!)

Lives Cut Tragically Short

Like many artists of their milieu, World War One somewhat disrupted their work when they were forced to relocate from France to Holland to avoid being interned. They continued painting, but just as they were on the brink of artistic stardom, their careers were cut short.

Galimberti’s desire to enlist in the army brought the couple back to Hungary, sadly, with tragic consequences. Dénes caught pneumonia and died shortly after their return to the country. Galimberti, heartbroken, committed suicide a few hours after her funeral. Both were still under the age of 40, and less than 40 of their combined works have survived.

Thankfully, their artistic legacy is finally receiving the recognition it deserves.

Looking for visual stimulation on cold, autumn days? Discover the art of Sándor Galimberti and Valéria Dénes (who studied under Henri Matisse), currently on show at the National Gallery in Budapest. The exhibition also reveals the truth behind one of the most celebrated paintings in this married couple’s body of work.

The Galimbertis: The Lives and Works of Sándor Galimberti (1883–1915) and Valéria Dénes (1877–1915) is on at the Hungarian National Gallery in Budapest until 26th January 2025.

Sources and further information

The Hungarian National Gallery 

Index.hu

Wikipedia

Flatpack Films has years of experience servicing international brands, agencies, and production companies. Filming in Hungary is easy when relying on their knowledge of the market and ability to solve complex needs. They bring the best that Hungary has to offer in terms of unique locations, exceptionally skilled crews, top-of-the-line equipment and technical solutions. Backed by an impeccable track record, Flatpack Films has worked with world-class clients including Samsung, Samsonite, Toyota, Braun, Chivas Regal and many more.

Get in touch and learn more about Budapest film locations, Hungarian film incentives, film tax credits in Hungary and how Flatpack Films can bring your project to life through a highly bespoke approach.

Strap in for Political Thrillers Filmed & Set in Budapest

Budapest has long been a stand-in for a range of locations over the past decades thanks to the versatility of this great city’s vibe and architecture. But this year there’s a film as well as the ambitious new TV series The Jackal that both feature Budapest starring as her lovely self.

View over the Chain Bridge in Budapest.

Chief of Station (2024)

Directed by Jesse V. Johnson, ‘Chief of Station’ is an action-packed film featuring Aaron Eckhart in the role of Ben Malloy, a retired CIA European Station Chief enjoying a tranquil life. But when tragedy strikes and his wife dies, Malloy reverts to his former existence to find answers. He collaborates with an old adversary, taking him deep into Budapest's shadowy underworld, uncovering unpleasant truths along the way.

Locations such as St. Stephen’s Basilica, Fisherman’s Bastion, Heroes’ Square, and the Chain Bridge can all be spotted in the film. 

There’s even a scenic boat ride along the Danube. But being an adrenalin-packed action movie, this isn’t the kind of calm-inducing river cruise you’d send your parents on… things end with an epic gun battle.

It’s always a welcome change to see Budapest’s tourist attractions not masquerading as landmarks from another country. Although, as a local, it is a little distracting to watch a tram trundle along Margit bridge in the background (wondering what mayhem is afoot on that infamous 4-6 line) while trying to concentrate on a very serious Aaron Eckhart talking strategy.

The Day of the Jackal (2024)

As one would expect of a ten-part TV series based on the iconic 1973 film (which was in turn based on a best-selling novel by Frederick Forsyth), numerous easy-on-the-eyes, glamorous locations across Europe are incorporated in this story including the grand dame herself, Budapest.

The titular “Jackal” is an elusive assassin who finds himself the target of an international manhunt after his latest contract. The story, set against a backdrop of modern political intrigue, follows a British intelligence officer who attempts to bring down the assassin in a suspense-filled game of cat and mouse.

Starring Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch, The Day of the Jackal allows Budapest to shine with panoramic scenes of the city as the Jackal once again eludes detection. We see him (played by Redmayne) hurrying down steps from the newly renovated Keleti train station (perhaps trying to find which underpass exit will take him to the McDonald’s across the road). We also catch him hanging out at Heroes’ Square–beloved by skaters, architectural buffs and high-profile assassins alike.  

Truth be told, no matter how many international productions come to Budapest to film, I don’t think I will ever tire from seeing the different faces of this truly mesmerizing city on the screen.  

Further information:

The Day of the Jackal

Chief of Station

Flatpack Films has years of experience servicing international brands, agencies, and production companies. Filming in Hungary is easy when relying on their knowledge of the market and ability to solve complex needs. They bring the best that Hungary has to offer in terms of unique locations, exceptionally skilled crews, top-of-the-line equipment and technical solutions. Backed by an impeccable track record, Flatpack Films has worked with world-class clients including Samsung, Samsonite, Toyota, Braun, Chivas Regal and many more.

Get in touch and learn more about Budapest film locations, Hungarian film incentives, film tax credits in Hungary and how Flatpack Films can bring your project to life through a highly bespoke approach.