Interview: Hungarian director Ildiko Enyedi hints at future cooperation with Chinese actors, filmmakers

The Star

31-05-2025

BUDAPEST, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Ildiko Enyedi, the celebrated Hungarian filmmaker and screenwriter known for her 2017 Golden Bear-winning film On Body and Soul, has shared her reflections on Chinese cinema, her encounters with renowned Chinese filmmakers, and her ongoing projects at a film forum in Budapest.
"I would love to work with Tony Leung again. It was such a wonderful experience to work with him," Enyedi said in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the "Imazsia Chinese Film Week 2025" forum on Friday.
Speaking about her latest film, Silent Friend, which is currently in post-production, Enyedi disclosed that the film, set in a botanical garden, explores themes of communication not only among humans but also between people and plants. The film features an international cast, including Chinese actor Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, whom Enyedi had envisioned for a specific role while writing the story even before receiving his confirmation.
Fortunately, the script and her previous films convinced Leung to accept the role in the film. Enyedi described him as "an incredibly deep thinker, a deeply feeling human being, who approached the work with humility and openness."
She added, "Working with him is a very special gift from life," and expressed her hope for future cooperation.
The renowned director also spoke of her enduring fascination with Hong Kong cinema. "I watched Center Stage at the Berlinale in 1992, where I was serving on the jury at the time. It left such a profound impact on me that, many years later, I acquired a copy because I wanted to share with others," she recalled during a panel discussion at the film forum.
She described the 1980s and 1990s as a golden era for Hong Kong films, which resonated deeply within Budapest's alternative cultural circles. She also praised acclaimed Chinese director Wong Kar-wai. "I believe all of Budapest eagerly awaited every new Wong Kar-wai film!"
Recalling her first visit to Hong Kong in the 1990s, she mentioned the city's vibrant energy and cinematic legacy. "Hong Kong is definitely a special place for me."
Enyedi's engagement with Chinese filmmakers has grown through participation in major industry events. In 2018, she served on the jury at the Shanghai International Film Festival, marking her first visit to mainland China. She remembered the passion of local filmmakers and audiences, who were eager to bring meaningful, smaller-budget films to wider audiences.
In 2023, she returned to Shanghai to deliver a masterclass, where she appreciated the opportunity to discuss film-making in depth with a professional audience. "It is always much more interesting to hear about specific choices, challenges, and behind-the-scenes stories from fellow filmmakers, rather than just answering general questions," she said.
Enyedi also expressed keen interest in Chinese contemporary art films. She mentioned Resurrection by Chinese director Bi Gan, which won a special award at this year's Cannes Film Festival. "I am very, very curious about this film," she said.
Looking ahead, Enyedi expressed enthusiasm for continued collaborations with Chinese filmmakers and highlighted Hungary's growing reputation as a film production hub.