Hungarian film executives on Monday gave director Péter Magyar’s landslide victory two thumbs up, but the scale of reforms needed in the media and entertainment sector was daunting.
Hungarian film director László Nemes, who won an Oscar for “Son of Saul,” told Variety magazine, “We are finally free! Hungary has chosen hope over fear, freedom over obedience, humanism over anti-humanism.” The election is a momentous change not only for the people but also for the arts, liberating all those who have been despised, sidelined and silenced by a corrupt regime.Hungary has a rich artistic tradition and we are excited to wake up from this nightmare.
Ildiko Eniedi, another Hungarian director whose film Body and Soul was nominated for an Oscar, told Variety: “Due to the time difference, I was one of the first to vote because I was in Hong Kong for my last film, Silent Friend. It was still midnight in Hungary…It’s a very happy feeling to see that, despite all the scars and distortions, the democratic system is able to function and fulfill its main role: to represent the people.” I believe that healing will begin as we listen to the true intentions of our people – and that we will all become more attentive, observing how our politicians and public servants work. ”
Hungary is a major destination for Hollywood and other big-budget international shoots, ranking second in Europe as a production hub. This position relies on a 30% tax rebate, the future of which was in doubt under Viktor Orban’s government.
Adam Goodman, managing partner of Hungarian production company Mid-Atlantic Films, which has produced numerous Hollywood films and series including the Dune series, F1 and Ballerina, said the Magyars’ victory put those doubts to rest.
“Since June 2025, the outgoing government has questioned the credibility of Hungary’s incentive program. During the election period, there were talks with the incoming government, in which they promised to rectify the uncertainties and include the film industry in the policy platform,” he told Variety.
“While it will take some time for the next government to appoint a new Minister of Culture and Minister of Finance and address all the issues that require their attention, we hope that the current issues with incentive security and registration procedures will be rectified.”
When it comes to the broader Hungarian media sector, the new government faces enormous challenges. According to the media freedom lobby group Reporters Without Borders, Orban’s supporters control 80% of the country’s media through organizations such as KESMA, which controls private television, and MTVA, which controls the public broadcasting network.
Since this regulation is set out in law, Magyar’s first goal will be legislation. Since it has a majority, it can amend the constitution if necessary. The Magyar Tisza party won 138 seats, Prime Minister Orbán’s Fidesz party won 55 seats, and the far-right My Fatherland party won six seats.
