The Moral of Staying Alive – Hungarian Short Premiered at an Art-Driven Charity Event

On November 16, a special fundraiser event brought together film enthusiasts and art lovers for the screening of The Moral of Staying Alive. The evening served a dual purpose: to premiere the short film directed by Balázs Juszt and to support the Oltalom Charitable Foundation through the auction of one of the paintings by Blanka Haraszti.

The event combined cinema with a painting exhibition, showcasing artworks created by Blanka Haraszti, a producer of the film and the creative mind behind the paintings central to its story. Attendees not only got a first look at the award-winning short but were also given an opportunity to engage with the themes of the film on a deeper level through the displayed artworks.

The auction proceeds were directed to Oltalom, an organization that works closely with unhoused individuals. This was especially fitting, as some of the film’s scenes were shot at Oltalom’s Dankó Street shelter, where real-life residents were cast in the roles of extras. This decision added authenticity to the film and ensured that production resources benefited the community.

Art as the Backbone of the Film

The film tells the story of a painter, played by Adél Jordán, who seeks help from a psychiatrist, portrayed by Máté Haumann, as she struggles to cope with a harsh reality that contrasts sharply with her dreamlike existence. Director Balázs Juszt explained that the film was born from Haraszti’s desire to present her paintings in a new way.

“Years ago, Blanka had an exhibition of her paintings, and the finished works were photographed by cinematographer Márton Ragályi in real-life situations. The paintings and photographs were displayed together later in another exhibition, with the participation of the paintings’ original models. And this time, she wanted to do it again – on film, instead of photographs.” shared Juszt.

The idea of integrating Haraszti’s paintings into the narrative was a natural evolution, and the result is a film where the artworks are not mere props but extensions of the protagonist’s soul. Each painting provides a glimpse into the inner world of the painter and amplifies the film’s themes of emotional vulnerability and societal disconnect.

A Message to Take Home

The Moral of Staying Alive has already received critical acclaim, winning awards such as the Best Europe Film at the European Cinematography Awards and receiving nominations at multiple international festivals. Despite this recognition, Juszt emphasized that the film is less about accolades and more about its message.

“This isn’t a crowd-pleaser or a comedy. It’s not made for entertainment but to benefit the audience,” he explained. “If anyone leaves the screening with just a little more empathy towards others, we’ve done our job.”