Hungarian animation is more than a national treasure – it’s a global language. By developing its full potential, we can amplify the reach of Hungarian culture, energize the film industry, and invest in future generations. In this interview, animation producer, former rector of Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design, and the driving force behind a renewed national vision for the field, József Fülöp discusses why strategic investment in animation is essential not only for cultural preservation, but also for innovation, education, and long-term growth.

This year marks the 110th anniversary of Hungarian animation, a milestone being spotlighted at the Annecy Film Festival. What is your personal connection to this tradition?

For the past two decades, I’ve dedicated myself to supporting the growth of Hungarian animation and fostering new talent. I belong to a generation that was eager to create but found itself without opportunities in the aftermath of the 1990s upheavals. With the regime change, the economic infrastructure that had sustained Hungarian animation collapsed.

Hungarian animation seems to be in a golden age – why is there still a need for strategic development?

First and foremost, Hungarian animation is a national treasure, representing a powerful and internationally significant cultural product. Over the past 50 to 70 years, we’ve produced films that resonate deeply with audiences – both beloved by children and critically acclaimed – earning us Oscar nominations, Academy Awards, and accolades at Venice, Cannes, and Berlin.

People often compare Hungarian animation to Hungarian water polo: a niche area where we consistently excel. While I understand the comparison, I would take it further – animation is a cornerstone of global filmmaking. By expanding Hungary’s animation capacities, we not only strengthen the film industry as a whole but also enhance the visibility and cultural influence of Hungarian identity across generations.

We began with the understanding that animation is a cultural treasure – and even if we were to treat it like a museum artifact, there would still be much to preserve and celebrate. However, animation is often misunderstood. Some associate it exclusively with children’s or family content, viewing it as somewhat juvenile. Others see it as a niche reserved for abstract, avant-garde films meant only for galleries. While both perspectives hold some truth, neither captures the full picture. This is why it’s crucial to reframe the way we think about animation – not by discarding its historical definitions, but by expanding them.

In today’s digital world, animation has evolved into a vital technology for creating moving images – a universal tool used across mass media, video games, entertainment, education, and even science. This broader perspective on animation needs to be nurtured in Hungary as well.

What role does animation play in the broader film industry today?

Animation is now a core component of live-action filmmaking – about 70% of visual spectacles are largely animated. In productions like the new Planet of the Apes, animation is often the starting point. It’s often easier to plan and shoot entire scenes virtually. The digital era has also reshaped production processes, allowing the traditional, linear system – script, shoot, then edit – to evolve into more fluid, parallel workflows, encouraging greater collaboration.

Hungary attracts international film productions not only due to its tax incentives but also thanks to the strength of its talented workforce. To remain competitive, it’s essential to invest in training professionals in animation. We need experts who can meet the demands of major productions, not just traditional set and costume designers, but digital professionals capable of seamlessly integrating live-action with animation and working directly on-set during filming.

How do you see the potential of the creative industries in Hungary?

The creative industry in Hungary holds enormous untapped potential, particularly in areas like video game production. Currently, this sector is not covered by the film law and receives neither direct nor indirect support, which leaves Hungarian game studios relying heavily on service work rather than creating their own original content – even though the expertise is certainly present. Supporting the video game industry is not just an artistic or cultural issue, but also a strategic economic priority. By fostering this sector, we can engage younger generations, drive innovation, and make a significant strategic investment in Hungary’s future. These technologies are also shaping the future of education and skills development, offering new pathways for growth across various industries.

Short animated films also deserve priority. They are often the most successful format and a fantastic entry point for new talent. To foster this growth, we need to create incubator spaces where young creators can develop their ideas, supported by both financial and professional resources. While no one can guarantee the next Palme d’Or, Hungarian animation has already shown its strength on the global stage – this year alone, we’ve seen awards at the Berlinale, and recent years have seen impressive success at Annecy. With relatively small investments, we can establish a strong reputation and attract international industry players. To further strengthen this, it’s crucial that animation be included in co-production networks, even in minority roles.

A cinematographer once told me he envied animation because “it’s like free jazz – you can do anything.” While I understand the analogy, I think it’s misleading. It emphasizes only the experimental side of animation, but animation is far more than just creative freedom. To truly grasp its potential, we need to shift our mindset – and adapt our funding models. This long-term vision will pay off. What we need is an ecosystem that supports the entire lifecycle of an animated film – covering pre-production, development, production, and post-production – with the right infrastructure and collaboration among professionals.