Chapters from the history of Italian-Hungarian heritage, Part 2

In the first quarter of 2016, National Széchényi Library will organize a free series of screenings of films which were presented at the Hungarian Pavilion of Expo Milano 2015. Katalin Pethényi and Barna Kabay made a series of documentaries, consisting of ten episodes, in order to present some of the milestones of Italian-Hungarian cultural relations. The 11th episode, presenting the oeuvre of Mikós Ybl, was made by Bence Gyöngyössy.

The organizers of Expo Milano aimed at placing the culture of the exhibiting countries in the spotlight by providing a reason and opportunity to make these films. The idea behind it was that a real deep and organic relationship between two nations can be achieved via culture, which is a key to a better understanding of each other.

Attendance of our screenings is free. We are looking forward to seeing you in National Széchényi Library! Date of the second screening is Thursday February 11, 2016, 5 p.m.; venue is Ceremonial Hall on Floor 6 of the Library. After the screening, there will be a discussion with Klára Béres, chairwoman of Béres Foundation and with Dr. József Béres, Jr., President of Béres Pharmaceuticals.

PROGRAM:

Director of Casa Buonarroti – Károly Tolnay
Writer-director: Katalin Petényi, director-producer: Barna Kabay

The documentary presents the oeuvre of art historian Charles de Tolnay – Károly Tolnay, onetime director of Casa Buonarroti Museum in Florence and one of the most renowned experts on Michelangelo. The camera follows up on the major stations in Tolnay’s life in Italy. While the scholar is talking about his discoveries on previously unknown archive recordings, the audience can have a look at the works of Michelangelo including ones which have not published in films so far.

Architect of the nation – Miklós Ybl
Writer-director: Bence Gyöngyössy, director-producer: Barna Kabay
Presenting the works of Miklós Ybl, one of the most prestigious architects of the 19th century, the documentary draws attention to the fertilizing effect of Italian art and to the close relationship of Italian and Hungarian artistic and architectural values. At the same time, viewers can get acquainted with Ybl’s oeuvre and explore the unmatched beauty of the Hungarian capital.

The Salesian Sisters of Padova and Béres Drops
Writer-director: Katalin Petényi, director-producer: Barna Kabay
This documentary presents the activities of Dr. József Béres, Sr., of the Béres family and of Béres Pharmaceuticals: their efforts made for healthy people, for the boost of life energy and for the prevention of tumor diseases. The film evokes the life of Dr. József Béres, Sr., full of research challenges and hardships, his battle fought in order to give hope for people even in the least hopeful situations. The family’s charity support reached Italy, too. The Salesian Sisters of Padova help underfed children in Haiti with Béres Drops.

Invitation card of the event