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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