Hungarian Feature “Without Air” Set to Premiere in Toronto

The lineup for one of the world’s most prestigious showcases, the Toronto International Film Festival, has been unveiled. Among the selected works in the Discovery section is Katalin Moldovai’s debut feature film, “Without Air” – the sole Hungarian entry.

“I was very surprised and delighted that our film was selected into the Discovery program of Toronto International Film Festival. I am very grateful to the crew and everyone who helped to make,” said Transylvanian director Katalin Moldovai. She previously noted that “Without Air” aims to explore “the depths of our transgenerational heritage and attempting to uncover its truths”

Toronto‘s international-focused Discovery program has previously spotlighted creations by renowned filmmakers such as Yorgos Lanthimos, Jafar Panahi, Steve McQueen, Michael Haneke, Christopher Nolan, Lav Diaz, Barry Jenkins, Alfonso Cuarón, Maren Ade, Joachim Trier, David Gordon Green, Pablo Larraín, and Jean-Marc Vallée. András Muhi, the producer of “Without Air,” remarked, “There exist only five film festivals globally where I would immediately offer any of my films. Toronto is among them.”

“Without Air” draws inspiration from real-life events. Its protagonist, Ana (Ágnes Krasznahorkai), esteemed as a literature teacher, shares good rapport with both students and peers. Unexpectedly, a parent raises objections after she suggests a film detailing the intimate relationship between 19th-century French poets, Arthur Rimbaud and Paul Verlaine. Ana‘s subsequent appeal triggers a domino effect, causing colleagues and even the school’s principal to turn against her. This escalating adversity, jeopardizing her professional stance, becomes a test of Ana‘s resilience and relationships.

Katalin Moldovai‘s maiden feature, “Without Air,” came to fruition with the National Film Institute‘s Incubator Program’s backing, produced by MagmaCinema, Spot Film, Salamandra Film, and Digital Fiction Studios. The film features Ágnes Krasznahorkai, Tünde Skovrán, Soma Sándor, Áron Dimény, Zsolt Bölönyi, and Ágnes Lőrinc. Executive production by Attila Béla Kovács, produced by András Muhi and Katalin Moldovai. The script is a collaboration between Zita Palóczi and Katalin Moldovai, with Moldovai also directing. Cinematography credits go to András Táborosi, edited by Orsolya Soltész, and music composed by Tibor Cári.