Espresso
(Presszó)

feature, 35mm, 105 minutes

First feature

PREMIER (HUNGARY): 1997.

We�e got an all right story and we�e got a method to tell it all. One day we felt they were meant for each other. Story and method, meaning saloon vs. salon. For a long time, the major issue regarding Hungarian feature films has been whether they can turn low input into quality output. Our film takes a chance. It aims to reduce filmic methods and intensify presentation. We artificially deprive ourselves of the traditionally acknowledged means of change in locations and shots, thus leaving dramatic means, lyrics, internal rhythm and plan séquence (long shot) exclusively. This method is capable of yielding tension. In addition, it rigorously maintains spatial limits. The camera films the story from a single position, thus giving up all technical possibilities for arty envisioning, much like a fixed gaze. The story is about people gathering by chance around a pub table over a period of nearly one year. The pub is located in a Budapest side street, say, the 6th or 7th district. It opens at 8 a.m. and closes when the last customer leaves. The table sees guests come and go continually. Recurrence, that is, the rhythm of the pub� life, is gradually revealed. Recurring people identify as characters and regular customers; connection is established among story elements that start simple but quickly complicate. Table guests�stories gradually develop into one single story.

Creators

Tamás Sas Director
Gábor Németh Screenplay
Tamás Sas Director of photography
Tamás Sas Editor
László Melis, Attila László Music
János Kőporossy Sound
Zsolt Juhász Buday Visual design
Krisztina Berzsenyi Costumes
Gergely Z. Horváth, Péter Barbalics, Éva Schulze Producer
Magic Media Production company
Gábor Máté, András Stohl, Andrea Söptei, Karina Kecskés, Andrea Fullajtár, Miklós Benedek Cast

Awards

Várna Love is Folly International Film Festival - 1999 Bulgarian Critics' Prize
Budapest Hungarian Film Week - 1998 Best First FilmBest Screenplay
Cottbus FilmFestival - 1998 Special Prize
Sarajevo Film Festival - 1998 Special Mention

Festivals

Targu-Mures AlterNative - 1998
London Raindance Film Festival - 1998
Bergamo Film Meeting - 1999 (in competition)
Cairo International Film Festival - 1998
Brussels Festival of European Film - 1999 (in competition)
Setúbal FESTROIA  International Film Festival - 1999
Bratislava International Film Festival - 1999
London Film Festival - 1999
Várna Love is Folly International Film Festival - 1998 (in competition)

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