The Haifa International Film Festival will open this year with the film in question. "orphan", a new drama by award-winning Hungarian director Laszlo Nemsz, winner of the Academy Award and Golden Globe for his film "Son of Saul." The film comes to Haifa straight from its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, and is Hungary's official Oscar nominee.
A historical drama set in Hungary in 1957.
Set in a devastated Budapest after the suppression of the uprising against the communist regime, Andor Hirsch, a young Jewish boy, finds his life shaken when a violent and rude man suddenly enters his world and claims to be his real father, contrary to the inspiring stories his mother told him about his late father.
"orphan" Described as a poignant coming-of-age story and a moving portrait of survival against all odds, the script, which Nemesh wrote and inspired by childhood memories of his father, weaves personal experiences with powerful historical drama.
A moving work by an Oscar-winning director
The film, a co-production of Hungary, Britain, Germany and France, lasts 132 minutes and stars: Vitorian Barbash, Andrea Vaskovic, Gregory Gedboa and Elise Szabo.
Screened courtesy of "New Cinema".
This is Nemesh's third feature film, after "Son of Saul" (2015) and "Sunset" (2018).
Lifetime Achievement Award for Israeli Artists
The festival's opening event will also honor two local cultural giants, Moni Moshonov and Shlomo Bar Abba, who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for cinematic excellence and their many years of contribution to cultural life in Israel.
Cinematic celebration in Haifa
The Haifa International Film Festival 2025 will be held with the support of the Israel Film Council, the Ministry of Culture and Sports, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Regional Cooperation, and the Haifa Municipality.
The festival is produced by ETHOS – the Haifa Society for Arts, Culture and Sports, and will continue to be one of the most prominent cultural events in Israel with screenings, world premieres and tribute events.