Filmmaking on a Budget – Gábor Herendi Criticizes State Funding System

In a recent interview with HVG (full article here), Hungarian filmmaker Gábor Herendi shared his frustrations with the challenges of independent filmmaking and the country’s state funding system. Known for his previous successes like Kincsem (Bet on Revenge) and Valami Amerika (A Kind of America), Herendi’s latest film, Futni mentem (Gone Running), was made without support from the National Film Institute (NFI), relying instead on private sponsors and a modest budget.

Low Budgets, High Stakes

Herendi explained how the team adapted to a tight schedule and a fraction of the budget usually required for such a production. “We calculated backward—figuring out how many days we could afford to shoot. That came out to 20 days. Normally, this film would have needed at least 40,” Herendi said.

Despite the constraints, the crew’s dedication and the cast’s willingness to work for reduced fees allowed the project to succeed. Herendi praised their efforts but warned that this approach is unsustainable in the long run.

A Broken Film Funding System

Herendi also criticized the state-run NFI for rejecting projects without clear explanations and excluding experienced filmmakers like himself from funding. He described a system where political and personal biases seem to influence decisions.

“There’s a blacklist of creators who are excluded from support. Many of us are left wondering whether this has political implications or not,” Herendi stated. He also noted the risk of independent filmmaking being used as a justification for reducing state support further: “People might say, ‘See, films can be made for less money, so why spend taxpayers’ money on them?’ But filmmaking is an expensive art form, and no country can sustain it without significant state funding.”

Herendi contrasted the current system with the Andy Vajna-era funding model, which he acknowledged had its flaws but included checks and balances that allowed projects to move forward even if the committee chair opposed them.

The Role of Independent Filmmaking

Herendi likened the current wave of low-budget independent films in Hungary to a paradoxical “golden age,” where creativity thrives despite systemic obstacles. He pointed out that many filmmakers are producing work that reflects modern Hungarian society—an essential role of any national cinema.

“Isn’t that the essence of filmmaking? Hungarian cinema should reflect Hungarian reality. Historical films have their place, but making only those—especially with inflated budgets—is absurd,” he said.

Herendi’s remarks highlight both the ingenuity of Hungarian filmmakers and the challenges they face under the current system. While independent projects like “Gone Running” showcase resilience and resourcefulness, Herendi warns that without meaningful reform and reliable state support, the country’s film industry risks losing its momentum.

Read the full interview on HVG.