Dear Festival Guests, Filmmakers, Colleagues!
In the autumn of 2023, we will celebrate the 30th anniversary of ATAFF, together with TISZApART Cinema, which has been hosting the festival since its very first days and which no longer needs to be introduced to the film- and art-loving public.
It's heartening that as a result of our three decades of dedicated work, we are increasingly receiving international recognition due to our self-initiated projects that involve collaboration from multiple countries, uniquely enriching our programs, while we also focus on developing media literacy among young people through European film premieres and events focusing on various social groups.
It is a special pleasure that the recognition and international reputation of our festival can be measured in the increasing number of renowned domestic and international film professionals visiting Szolnok. The sold-out sessions of the masterclasses and professional forums we organize demonstrate that the intricacies and behind-the-scenes secrets of film production design are of growing interest to a broader audience.
We closely follow the programs of both international festivals like Cannes, Berlin, and Sofia, and regional ones like Kecskemét, Miskolc, and Palic, with a discerning eye to identify collaboration opportunities. Our aim is to offer a unique program to the ATAFF audience.
We are thrilled to continue providing a platform this year for creations centered around the intriguing theme of science – including innovative nature and documentary films that compete – and to present the most recent animated and short films by young artists. This year, we are introducing a new category that deals with works addressing the topic of conscious media consumption. As part of this initiative, we are hosting a conference during the festival, featuring participation from distinguished experts.
Once again this year, the ten competitive films of ATAFF are characterized by themes that are relevant to our era and society; including dramas portraying women's destinies, wartime stories, visually captivating productions showcasing elaborate costumes, as well as providing answers to what it means to eat fashionably or choose the teaching profession in the 21st century.
I trust that the intimate atmosphere of TISZApART Cinema, the competitive program of ATAFF that initiates discussions, its accompanying events, and evening concerts will create memorable moments for our guests this year as well.
I wish you all a great time for every single day of the festival, and I hope that you will once again be enriched with special experiences in the Capital of the Tisza River!
Éva Demeter
festival director