The international premiere of “Spring Winds – Awakening”, a documentary about Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar’s political journey that culminated in his historic victory in Sunday’s general election, will open on May 5th at Italy’s Riviera Film Festival.
Directed by Tamáš Ivan Topolanski, “Spring Winds – The Awakening” takes viewers behind the scenes of the political rise of the Magyars, who rejected Hungary’s far-right policies and anti-European Union stance and led to the ouster of Viktor Orbán, Hungarian Prime Minister for 16 years.
“For more than a year, the filmmakers worked with a small crew to follow politicians on national tours, at campaign venues, and in private conversations,” the synopsis provided reads. “This experience also allowed them to witness the quiet, intimate moments of the Magyars, often in their homes, which would otherwise remain hidden from the public. The film therefore does not simply document events, but reveals human decisions, motivations, doubts, and personal experiences.”
The doc, independently produced by Topolánszky and Claudia Sümeghy with Juno 11 Pictures and Halluci-Nation, attracted attention in Hungarian cinemas and on HBO, and was also shown as an online giveaway in the run-up to the Hungarian elections.
Juno 11 Distribution is in charge of international sales.
“Produced completely independently and without outside influence, this film reflects our belief that honesty and authenticity must be paramount. Its extraordinary reach and impact strengthens our belief that documentary filmmaking can play an important role in shaping real social change,” Topolanski and Schmegie said in a statement. “We are really excited to be joining the Riviera International Film Festival again, which we feel is our creative home.”
The Riviera Film Fest, held in the picturesque seaside town of Sestri Levante on Italy’s Ligurian coast, is the event where Topolanzky and Schmegie presented their first feature, “Curtis,” about the making of Hungarian director Michael Curtis’ 1942 classic Casablanca, starring Humphrey Bogart.
Director Topolanski won the festival’s Best Director award in 2019 for “Curtis.” He then returned to Riviera Fest in 2023 as a judge.
The 10th Riviera International Film Festival will be hosted by Los Angeles-based Italian producer Stefano Gallini-Durante and will be held from May 5th to 10th.
