Hungary has long been a major player in global cinema, but with the expansion of the National Film Institute’s studio complex in Fót, the country is doubling down on its position as a premier filmmaking destination. At the grand opening, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán reflected on Hungary’s deep cinematic roots, emphasizing the nation’s early contributions to Hollywood and silent film. “Film has always been part of our DNA,” he stated, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting the industry’s continued growth.

From Hollywood’s Origins to Modern-Day Success

Orbán highlighted Hungary’s lasting impact on film history, pointing to the country’s early 20th-century filmmakers who left their mark internationally. Later, during the communist era, cinema became a powerful tool for artistic resistance. “Some films produced under communist rule played a significant role in the downfall of the regime,” he noted. However, after the fall of communism, Hungary’s film sector struggled to find stability, caught between reform efforts and remnants of the old system.

The prime minister stressed that while film must remain an independent art form, the state plays a critical role in ensuring the right conditions for growth. “Film is not just an industry; it is also an art. And art must remain free. But for the development of the film industry, the state is essential,” he said.

Reviving Hungary’s Film Industry

According to Orbán, poor policy decisions in the early 2000s cost Hungary an estimated $200 million in lost revenue, as international productions opted for other European hubs. The country’s once-thriving studio infrastructure was neglected, and Hungary lost its competitive edge. That changed with the late Andy Vajna, a Hollywood producer of Hungarian descent, who spearheaded the industry’s modernization. As government commissioner for film, Vajna was instrumental in creating the National Film Institute, restructuring incentives, and putting Hungary back on the map for major productions.

Thanks to these efforts, Hungary has re-emerged as a powerhouse in global film production, with foreign productions spending more than $280 million annually. Even during the pandemic, the industry generated $620 million in revenue, a figure that has since climbed past $700 million. Today, over 20,000 people work in the Hungarian film sector—about the same as the entire population of Fót.

Fót Studios: A New Era of Growth

The expansion of Fót Studios marks Hungary’s biggest state-backed investment in cinema since 1936, when the Róna Street studio was built. The newly unveiled development adds:

•107,640 square feet of new studio space

•A state-of-the-art mobile soundproof wall

•215,280 square feet of service areas

•A modernized, sustainability-focused infrastructure

•1.45 million square feet of green space

Csaba Káel, government commissioner for Hungary’s film industry, described the project as a transformative investment that will define the country’s cinematic future. “The full significance of this four-year project will be realized by future generations,” he said.

A Global Film Powerhouse

Perhaps the most significant sign of Hungary’s growth? The country has reached a new milestone—producing films independently of state funding. Orbán sees this as a major step forward. “Ultimately, this was our goal—to make film accessible to everyone,” he stated.

As Hungarian films gain increasing recognition on the world stage, the prime minister made one thing clear: Hungary isn’t content with being a supporting player in global cinema. “This studio sends a clear message: we Hungarians do not settle for mediocrity. We do not belong in the back row—we belong on the grand stage.”