Without Air – Triple Win for Katalin Moldovai at the Warsaw Film Festival

Katalin Moldovai’s inaugural film ‘Without Air,’ or ‘Elfogy a Levegő’ as it’s known in its native Hungarian, bagged a trifecta of awards at the esteemed Warsaw International Film Festival. Not only did it clinch the headlining award for debut filmmakers, but it also garnered the critical nod from the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) and its younger counterpart, Young FIPRESCI. Hungarian moviegoers can catch the film in theatres starting from the 2nd of November.

The Warsaw gala, a cornerstone in the film festival circuit alongside Cannes, Berlin, Karlovy Vary, and Venice, has added another feather to ‘Without Air‘s’ cap. The film had already graced the lineup of the Toronto International Film Festival, making it a high-profile international sensation for Hungary this year.

Centering on Ana, a charismatic literature teacher played by Ágnes Krasznahorkai, the film delves into the trials she faces at her school. A parent’s grievance against Ana‘s recommendation of a film exploring the lives of French poets Arthur Rimbaud and Paul Verlaine triggers an unforeseen series of events. The complaint puts Ana‘s career and personal life into a tailspin, as her colleagues and even her school’s principal grow increasingly hostile.

Produced under the aegis of the Film Institute Incubator Program, ‘Without Air’ boasts a talented ensemble cast featuring Ágnes Krasznahorkai, Tünde Skovrán, Soma Sándor, Áron Dimény, Zsolt Bölönyi, and Ágnes Lőrinc. The script was penned by Zita Palóczi and Moldovai herself. Attila Béla Kovács is the executive producer, flanked by producers András Muhi and Katalin Moldovai. Mozinet will distribute the film across Hungary starting November 2nd, with András Táborosi behind the camera and music scored by Tibor Cári.

Cover caption: Producer Béla Attila Kovács producer, actress Ágnes Krasznahorkai, director Katalin Moldovai and cinematographer András Táborosi – Photo credit: Julia Dacka