HAUNTING TROPHIES, 2hr 26min., Hungary
Directed by László Illés
A young man hiking deep in the woods finds a female corpse manipulated in a bizarre manner. Shocked by the discovery, the man realizes that he is not alone on the scene. The murderer starts hunting him in order to protect his identity.

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Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I have a deep passion for thrillers and films that are so intricately woven that viewers need to revisit them multiple times to fully grasp the plot. It's crucial for me to narrate stories that provoke thought and leave a lasting impact on the audience. I endeavored to construct the screenplay not only to twist the narrative spatially but also temporally, unveiling information in a way that continually offers a fresh interpretation of the film, challenging what viewers initially thought about the "resolution."

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

Indie filmmaking presents both freedoms and constraints. While there is significant creative liberty, limitations emerge due to budget constraints. As a consequence, progress in production was a bit slower with a small crew and limited funds. The film's production was notably intricate, requiring time to organize each sequence, and we had to take breaks multiple times to secure funding for subsequent scenes. Hence, it took three years to bring the film to completion.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Eternal penance.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

As mentioned earlier, I believe the biggest challenge always comes down to the budget and figuring out how to creatively navigate the limited financial constraints without compromising the visual aesthetics and quality.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was really pleased with what I saw and heard. I especially enjoyed that several people interpreted the film well, grasping the essence of the story and its message, while also highlighting its strengths. The entire festival experience was very positive.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I was a film enthusiast since childhood, a huge Star Wars fan. Initially, I wanted to be an actor, but I became interested in the other side of the camera. I started making films at the age of 13, beginning with stop-motion animations featuring action figures, followed by live-action films.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

Being a Star Wars fanatic in my childhood, I watched the original trilogy the most. Since then, my taste has evolved towards more dramatic narratives and unique film language, storytelling, and visual solutions.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

My previous film, 'The Shepherd,' received numerous awards at various festivals, teaching me the importance of having a physical, tangible memento beyond mere recognition after winning a festival. Therefore, I believe it is crucial for festivals to provide physical trophies and statuettes for the winners.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

I really love FilmFreeway; I've been using it for years, submitting my films to hundreds of festivals. It works perfectly, it's simple, straightforward, and easy to manage.

10. What is your favorite meal?

It's not about what I eat, but rather that I have it on set during a break. I love the atmosphere of film shoots. If I could, I'd be on a film set almost every day.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I'm already working on my new film, titled "Ever After," a Halloween-themed horror feature film. It promises to be a spine-chilling horror experience as urban zoomers confront classic fairy tale characters such as Little Red Riding Hood, Big Bad Wolf, Three Little Pigs, The Witch, Prince Charming, Rumpelstiltskin, and The Frog King.