Greek and Hungarian Film Festivals Unite in Toronto to Present HEN, an International Political Satire by Award-Winning Director György Pálfi
The Greek International Film Festival Tour of Canada (GIFFT) and the Mari Törőcsik Hungarian Film Festival Toronto (TOHUFF) are proud to announce a special joint presentation of HEN, the acclaimed 2025 political comedy-drama directed by internationally recognized Hungarian filmmaker György Pálfi.The screening will bring together two Toronto film festivals and their communities in a celebration of international cinema and cross-cultural collaboration. HEN will screen on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Innis Town Hall Theatre in Toronto.Directed by Pálfi, whose work has received major international recognition, including the European Film Award for European Discovery (Fassbinder Award) and the FIPRESCI Prize at the San Sebastián International Film Festival for Hukkle, as well as Best Director at the Transilvania International Film Festival for Taxidermia, HEN continues the filmmaker's distinctive and internationally celebrated approach to cinema.Set in Greece and told largely from the perspective of a hen, HEN is a survival story and social satire that follows an animal escaping an industrial farm and finding refuge near a struggling seaside restaurant. Against this backdrop, the film observes a human world shaped by poverty, corruption, migration and survival.The film itself reflects a significant international collaboration. While directed by a Hungarian filmmaker and filmed in Greece in the Greek language, the production brought together creative and production partners from several countries. Hungarian producers Gábor Ferenczy and András Muhi, along with Hungarian studio Focusfox, played important roles in bringing the project to life, alongside international production partners.Adding to the special presentation, Hungarian producer András Muhi will attend the Toronto screening and participate in a Q&A following the film.The joint presentation continues a growing relationship between GIFFT and TOHUFF, whose festivals take place during the same period each year and have previously collaborated to share films with both communities.“Our festivals run at the same time each year, and over time we've discovered that great cinema doesn't need to be confined to one culture's calendar,” said Stanley Papulkas, Executive Director of the Greek International Film Festival Tour of Canada. “HEN is a wonderful example of international filmmaking — a Hungarian director's vision, filmed in Greece and brought to life through collaboration across borders. We are proud to share this film with Toronto audiences alongside TOHUFF.”“This collaboration reflects the power of film to bring different communities together,” said Laura Banfalvi, Executive Director of the Mari Törőcsik Hungarian Film Festival Toronto (TOHUFF). “We are especially excited to present the work of György Pálfi and to welcome producer András Muhi to Toronto for a Q&A. HEN is the result of meaningful international collaboration, including the contributions of Hungarian producers and Focusfox, and we are delighted to share it with audiences through this joint presentation.”The collaboration between GIFFT and TOHUFF reflects the cultural diversity of Toronto and a shared commitment to presenting international stories that cross national, linguistic and cultural boundaries.________________________________________
NÓRA TROKÁN ANNOUNCED AS GUEST OF HONOUR AT TOHUFF 2026
We are delighted to announce that acclaimed Hungarian actress Nóra Trokán will be the Guest of Honour at the 4th Mari Törőcsik Hungarian Film Festival Toronto, taking place from September 24–27, 2026.One of the most distinctive and internationally recognized Hungarian performers of her generation, Nóra graduated from the University of Theatre and Film Arts in Budapest in 2009. During the first decade of her career, she established herself as an exceptional stage actress, taking on some of the greatest roles in dramatic literature, including Irina in Chekhov’s Three Sisters, Viola in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, Maggie in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Shen Te in The Good Person of Szechwan, and the title role in Hedda Gabler.Her remarkable career spans theatre, Hungarian cinema and major international productions. Audiences around the world may recognize her from acclaimed series including The Witcher, Halo and Strike Back, as well as numerous Hungarian and international films. In addition to acting, Nóra is also an accomplished photographer, bringing the same sensitivity, curiosity and distinctive artistic vision to both sides of the camera.At this year’s festival, Toronto audiences will see her in Operation Kabul, in which she portrays Zsuzsa Székely. Nóra will walk the red carpet at our Opening Night on September 24 and will meet the audience during a special Q&A following the screening of Operation Kabul on September 25.This will be a wonderful opportunity to meet an extraordinary artist and hear her speak about her career, her international experiences and the making of the film.ou want to write.
JUDIT SCHELL TO ATTEND THE MARI TÖRŐCSIK HUNGARIAN FILM FESTIVAL TORONTO AS GUEST OF HONOUR!
We are thrilled to announce that one of Hungary's most celebrated actresses, Judit Schell, will be the Guest of Honour of the Mari Törőcsik Hungarian Film Festival Toronto 2026! With an outstanding career spanning more than three decades, Judit Schell has captivated audiences with unforgettable performances in films such as Just Sex and Nothing Else, Fateless, Stop Mom Theresa!, The Bridge Man, and the acclaimed television series The King. In László Nemes' 2025 historical drama Orphan, Judit Schell portrays the headmistress of the orphanage. Join us on Opening Night, September 24, for the Toronto screening of Orphan, the latest film by Academy Award-winning director László Nemes. Following the screening, Judit Schell will take part in an exclusive live Q&A, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from Orphan, reflecting on her remarkable career, and answering questions from the audience. We are truly honoured to welcome Judit Schell to Toronto and look forward to celebrating Hungarian cinema with her. Opening Night Thursday, September 24, 2026 6:00 PM
How Could I Live Without You? won the Best Picture Award at the Mari Törőcsik Film Festival in Toronto. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Gyula Bodrogi, the Best Actress award went to Franciska Törőcsik, while Péter Blaskó was named Best Actor. The audience award went to Robert Lantos' Barney's Version, based on the votes of the audience. Congratulations!
A NIGHT WITH A MASTER STORYTELLER
This year, the spotlight shines brightly on one of Canada's most celebrated film producers: Robert Lantos A towering figure in both Canadian and Hungarian cinema, Mr. Lantos brings with him a legacy of bold storytelling, international success, and cultural depth. His presence at the festival underscores the event’s mission to celebrate artistic excellence and cross-cultural dialogue through film. In 1956, Robert Lantos and his family fled Hungary due to the Hungarian Revolution and subsequent Soviet intervention. They initially relocated to Uruguay before eventually immigrating to Canada in 1963. Lantos was born in Budapest, Hungary in 1949, and his personal journey continues to shape his deep commitment to telling powerful stories that resonate across cultures and generations. Lantos was recently honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Mozgó Film Festival in Hungary, cementing his stature as a cultural bridge between the two nations. His latest major success, the historical epic Rise of the Raven, has captivated audiences globally. The festival will culminate with a Closing Night Screening of Barney’s Version, one of Robert Lantos’s most acclaimed films. The screening will follow the festival’s official award ceremony, where Mr. Lantos will also appear as a presenter—bringing the four-day celebration of Hungarian cinema to a powerful and memorable close.
Sándor Csányi and Réka Tenki at the Toronto Hungarian Film Festival
One of Hungary's best known actors, Sándor Csányi, and his actress wife Réka Tenki will be present at the 3rd Toronto Film Festival. On Friday evening, the film Neither with you will be screened at the Carlton Cinema, followed by a Q&A with the acting couple.
The star of the Hunyadi series, Franciska Törőcsik will be one of the guests of the 3rd Toronto Hungarian Film Festival. The series are produced by the famous Canadian-Hungarian producer Robert Lantos. Törőcsik Franciska will be seen in the opening film, How Could I Live Without You, on 25 September at 7pm at Paradise Cinema. After the film we will have a Q&A with the artist.
Canadian Premiere Introduction: Ange & The Boss – Puskás in Australia Presented by The Greek International Film Festival Tour of Canada & The Hungarian Film Festival Toronto
This evening marks a special moment of cinematic and cultural celebration as two vibrant communities — Greek and Hungarian — come together to present the Canadian premiere of Ange & The Boss – Puskás in Australia. This unique collaboration between The Greek International Film Festival Tour of Canada and the Hungarian Film Festival Toronto is more than a joint screening; it is a powerful expression of multiculturalism, unity, and shared heritage through the universal language of sport and storytelling. At the heart of this documentary lies the remarkable, little-known chapter of a footballing legend. Ferenc Puskás — the great Hungarian striker whose name echoes in the halls of footballing immortality — ended his storied career not in Europe, but in the unassuming surrounds of Middle Park, Melbourne. There, in the 1980s, he coached South Melbourne Hellas, a Greek-Australian club led by none other than a young Ange Postecoglou, now the manager of Tottenham Hotspur. Through this film, we honour not just two legendary figures, but the immigrant spirit that helped build Australia’s football identity — and in doing so, we celebrate the shared values that bring communities together: passion, perseverance, and the power of storytelling. Speciel guest from Hungary György Szöllősi Sports Journalist and Ferenc Puskás biographer.
Co - presents with the Greek International Film Festival Tour of Canada. Special guest from Hungary György Szöllősi Sport Journalist and Ferenc Puskas biographer.
The great Hungarian striker Ferenc Puskas storied playing and coaching career ended in the relative backwater of Middle Park in Melbourne, coaching a South Melbourne Hellas team captained by current Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou.A sporting story of a humble, football colossus in soccer’s new world, full of quirky anecdotes and a ripping championship finale.And also a story of Australia’s ethnic football heritage, and how it sustained new arrivals.After retiring as a player, he became a coach.
The highlight of his coaching career came in 1971 when he guided Panathinaikos to the European Cup final, where they lost 2–0 to Ajax. He also led the club to the championship in 1972, becoming an icon in the country. Afterward he’d have spells at various countries and clubs, including Spain, Paraguay and the Saudi Arabia national team, with varying success. He returned again to Greece to manage an exceptionally strong AEK team for the 1978–79 season. In 1993, he returned to Hungary and took temporary charge of the Hungary national team.
Lajos Koltai Announced as Guest of Honour for the 2024 Festival
We are thrilled to announce that the esteemed Hungarian cinematographer and director, Lajos Koltai, will be our guest of honour at this year's festival. A recipient of the prestigious Kossuth and Béla Balázs awards, Koltai's illustrious career includes an Academy Award nomination for his cinematography in "Malena" (2000) and his work on the Oscar-winning film "Mephisto" (1981).
At the festival, Koltai will showcase his talents as the cinematographer for "Mrs. Dery Where Are You? " and as the director of "Semmelweis." His presence is made even more special by his long-standing friendship and professional relationship with Mari Törőcsik, the festival's namesake.
Join us in celebrating the incredible contributions of Lajos Koltai to the world of cinema. This is an event not to be missed!
We are pleased to announce that the Audience Award for the year 2024 has been awarded to Semmelweis at the Törőcsik Mari Film Festival.This year's winner of the Younge director's competition is Gilad Levy. Congratulations!
Documentary filmmakers at our film festival
We are pleased to announce that the Baska speaking Hungarian film crew will participate in the II. Mari Törőcsik Hungarian Film Festival. On Saturday 28 September at 1.30 pm there will be a documentary and short film section, followed by a discussion with the crew, Barbara Baska, Attila Csáky and Anna Juhász.
We are the revolution short film by Liliana Gulyasik /screening before the Four souls of Coyote on 29 September at 4 pm/ Twilight Alone short film by Jakob Lang /screening before Documentary section on 28 September at 1.30 pm/ Repercussions short film by Gilad Levy /screening before All about the Levkoviches on 27 September at 9.30 pm/ Waiting room short film by Julianna Ilyes /screening before 1968 on 29 September at 6.30 pm/