Dear Guests, Filmmakers and Colleagues,

We are delighted to welcome you all at ATAFF 2024, where the red carpet is rolled out again at the heart of Szolnok to host another special encounter for films, art and science. With the innovative changes this year, you can enjoy a truly all-art experience with ten feature films in competition focusing on the significance and beauty of production design.

The films in the competition programme are works that deal with war stories and specific personal destinies expressed in various genres. These feature films once again offer overwhelming stories that intend to explore the topic of war, social recognition, issues of race and religion, love and progressing modernity. The 10 European feature films competing for the prize of best production design will glue the viewers to their seats not only with compelling narratives but with fantastic scenes and images, too.

However, it is not only production design that comes into the limelight: you can also savour special films on the world of visual art, amazing scientific work and achievements besides short animations, which all open up new perspectives for the spectators. The festival is complemented by concerts, exhibitions and interactive events so that it can really become a joint celebration of all art forms.

Year by year we are working for the renewal of one of the oldest film festivals in Hungary. The masterclasses by internationally acclaimed film experts offer a special opportunity for cinema lovers and filmmakers, allowing a glimpse into the unique world of filmmaking and that of production design specifically, with a focus on sharing knowhow and creative cooperation to inspire the filmmakers of the future.

The TISZApART Cinema is not only the main venue of the festival but it is also the centre of several international projects. This year, as a result of the collaboration of five countries, we started the project Cinema without Barriers, where accessible and integrated film projections were offered. We do believe that cinema is for everybody.

For us, equity is extremely important, and keeping the same in mind, we try to support the development of young people’s media awareness. Therefore we include films on questions regarding media use in our programme, and also host conferences inviting renowned experts. The masterclasses by internationally acclaimed filmmakers allow a deeper insight into the world of production design.

We trust that each day of the festival will enrich you all with lasting experiences. Find the most exciting programmes for you and immerse in the captivating world of cinema and art.

I wish you great entertainment, and I hope everyone will be able to come across the piece that really touches them.

Éva Demeter
festival director