16th Francophone Film Days … 40 screenings coming again adding 23 films @ Budapest Cinemas!

The movie lovers community will be able to see the works of nine female directors and Enyedi-Maraton at the 16th Francophone Film Days. Cinema fans will have plenty to choose from… The thriller Private Case starring Jodie Foster and Daniel Auteuil, Stitches with Angelina Jolie and her work, The Little Girl, which won the Best Actress award and the Queer Palm at the Cannes Film Festival. Among others, a truck road movie from Canada, the story of a mother believed to be dead from Morocco and a film depicting deep poverty from Switzerland will arrive. On the occasion of International Women’s Day, there will be a roundtable discussion entitled Women, Media and Film.

The 16th Francophone Film Days is organized by the French Institute, and will be held between March 4-14 at the Uránia National Film Theater and the French Institute, and the domestic audience will be able to watch 23 contemporary Francophone works in the original language with Hungarian subtitles.

The main patron of the event will therefore be Ildikó Enyedi, who is closely connected to French culture, and three of her films will be on offer. The audience will be able to see the works of nine female directors in total. The thriller Private Case starring Jodie Foster and Daniel Auteuil, Stitches with Angelina Jolie, and her work The Littlest Girl, which won the Best Actress award and the Queer Palm at the Cannes Film Festival. Among others, a truck road movie from Canada, the story of a mother believed to be dead from Morocco, and a film depicting deep poverty from Switzerland will arrive. On Sunday, March, 8 International Women’s Day 2026, there will be a roundtable discussion entitled Women, Media and Film.

On the 4th of March, 3 p.m., the 16th Francophone Film Days will open at the Uránia National Film Theater in Budapest with Amélie Bonnin’s feel-good film, Enjoy the Moment!, which opened last year’s Cannes Film Festival. It is about a reunion with a childhood love. Canadian Joëlle Desjardins Paquette’s Rodeo is a bittersweet, lyrical road movie, a film that explores the depths of a father-daughter relationship, in which a truck driver crosses the whole of Canada. The only problem is that he takes his nine-year-old daughter with him on the road, whom he should never see.
In Rebecca Zlotowski’s twisty film Private Matter – starring Jodie Foster, Daniel Auteuil and Virginie Efira – the renowned psychiatrist launches a private investigation into the death of one of her patients, who she believes was murdered. Jodie Foster’s acting is not only perfect, her French is also perfect.
In Moroccan Layla Triqui’s moving film Gone with the Wind, Sophia, who lives in Tangier, learns one day that her mother, who she thought was dead, is very much alive, having just moved back to France. So the woman travels to Europe to confront her family past.
In Swiss Jasmin Gordon’s drama Through Fire and Water, a not-so-smooth, single mother struggles on a daily basis to raise her three children in dignified circumstances – and at least to preserve her honor in front of them. A touching film about poverty, determination and inner human reserves.
Hafsia Herzi will also be in the lineup for her work, The Littlest Girl, which won two awards at the Cannes Film Festival – Nadia Melliti, the Best Actress award, and the Queer Palm. Fatima is 17 years old and grew up in a traditional, loving family with her two sisters. After graduating from high school, she moves from the suburbs to Paris, where another world opens up to her. This touching film adaptation of Fatima Daas’s coming-of-age novel is an ode to acceptance.
In Pauline Loquès’ deeply moving debut, Nino, the protagonist is given three days by doctors to prepare for the greatest ordeal of her life. And for those three days, she is given two tasks that could bring her closer not only to others but also to herself. So Nino takes on Paris. The fear of death often reminds us that there is still work to be done.
In Alice Winocour’s Stitches – starring Angelina Jolie and Louis Garrel – three women stumble upon each other in the hustle and bustle of Paris Fashion Week. The only thing the American filmmaker, the South Sudanese model and the French make-up artist have in common is that they all have their own problems. But solidarity is a strong bond, and it leads them to realize that it is time to set boundaries and take the thread of their own destiny into their own hands.

On Saturday, March 7th from 2 p.m till 11 p.m. there will be an Ildikó Enyedi Marathon at the French Institute. First, Simon the Magus, set in Paris, will be screened, then at 4 p.m. My Wife’s Story will be shown with Léa Seydoux in the lead role, and finally at 8 p.m.

Finally, the Silent Friend will be screened on Sunday, 9th of March at 3.30 p.m. at the French Institute within hosting a roundtable discussion.

Tickets are already on sale:
Uránia National Film Theater – HUF2800
(Concessional ticket: HUF2300). Discounted tickets are available for students, pensioners, teachers, people under 26 and people over 65 with ID.

French Institute – HUF2500.Ticket prices:
(Concessional ticket: HUF2300). Discounted tickets are available for students, pensioners, teachers, people under age 26 and people over 65 with ID.

Time goes by quickly so get your tickets in dvance before they will be sold-out.

Update by Aggie Reiter

Open-air exhibition – Castle Garden Bazaar – Budapest.

“From Oppression to Freedom – the History of the Gellért Hill Citadel”

An exhibition presenting the centuries-long history of Gellért Hill and the renewed Citadel. Within the hdtory tells the story of oppression, destruction and rebirth through the fate of the former fortress. The free exhibition can be viewed until mid-April on the ramp leading to the Gloriette of the Castle Garden Bazaar. Gellért Hill was a cult site in Celtic times, later it became a fortified center, and since the Middle Ages its history has been inseparable from the turning points of Hungarian history. The Citadel was intended by the Austrian imperial autocracy as a tool of oppression as part of a planned military fortification system after the suppression of the 1848–49 War of Independence. In the atmosphere that eased after the Compromise, the modernizing capital increasingly surrounded the separate block of the fortress. The rethinking of its role began at the end of the 19th century: its walls were symbolically demolished. By the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the Citadel had become a defining element of Budapest’s skyline and a popular tourist attraction. However, after World War II, the Soviet Victory Monument erected next door once again reminded us of who was the real holder of dictatorial power. Since the 1960s, efforts have been made to turn the former fortress complex into a tourist attraction, but little care has been taken to preserve its condition. The Statue of Liberty, which can be admired from many points in the capital, has become a symbol of Budapest over time, but the Citadel, which was granted World Heritage status in 1987, was still in a state of disrepair. The decay of the neglected building complex continued in the controversial decades following the change of regime, in undignified conditions, an inaccessible fortress building welcomed visitors to the top of Gellért Hill. Its closure became inevitable. The rebirth of the Citadel was delayed until recent years, but today it has been reborn as a 21st-century urban site. Several entry points have been opened on its walls as a continuation of the previous symbolic demolition, and next to the completely renovated Statue of Liberty and one of the most beautiful panoramas of Budapest, a spacious park and an experience-oriented exhibition will soon await visitors, complete with family-friendly community spaces, a café and a gift shop. The open-air exhibition not only presents the historical and religious traditions and military roles associated with Gellért Hill and the Citadel, but also the process during which the former citadel became part of the city and now a renewed community space.

In 10 free-standing, illuminated installations, on a total of 20 tableau surfaces, visitors can learn about the turbulent past and exciting present of the Citadel and Gellért Hill. The open-air exhibition entitled “From Oppression to Freedom – the History of the Gellért Hill Citadel” awaits visitors from the 20th of February to mid-April 2026.

Photo source: Castle Captaincy

Further information: http://www.varkertbazar.hu

Recommendation by Aggie Reiter

“TASTE BALATON” – Festival around the shores of the Hungarian Sea – Lake Balaton.

TASTE BALATON Festival coming up this year in March … programs in English: https://tastebalaton.hu/en/home/

Sourdough bread, macarons, fermentation and pizza workshops, brunch with morning yoga, wine dinners with music, tours, bike explorations, cakes and perfumes… – all around early spring Lake Balaton. The TASTE BALATON festival will be held again from March 6-15, 2026, promising 10 days of sparkling wine, culture and gastronomy on the shores of Lake Balaton.

Local wineries, confectioneries, cultural institutions will be present, it is worth browsing the website, where everyone can put together their own festival. Follow infomation in English: https://tastebalaton.hu/en/programok/


Recommended by: Aggie Reiter

Travel+ Exhibition 2026 – Hungexpo

This year’s Travel+ Exhibition opens its doors tomorrow Thursday and awaits visitors again at the same time as the Budapest Boat Show, the Caravan Salon and the E-bike Test&Show between February 19-22, 2026!

Summary of the Program offers:


HEALTH ISLAND … Hungária Med is coming to the Travel+ Exhibition so that visitors can check their health quickly, conveniently and with expert support. During the event, they are offering free and discounted health packages.

FESTIVAL ISLAND … The isitors can buy their tickets and weekly passes to several major Hungarian festivals at a special price and at a discount.

EDUKIDO … Special LEGO®-based activities await children, where play becomes learning and building becomes discovery. Edukido’s classrooms hold skill-building classes mainly for children aged 3-10, where they can acquire complex knowledge in a creative environment with building blocks.

WINE REGIONS … On the Wine Regions program island, Hungary’s wine regions come to life in one place, with selected wines and stories. Egri Borélmény, Villány–Siklósi Borút Egyesület, Tokaj-Hétszőlő, Etyek Kúria Winery and Tornai Pince bring not only their wines, but also the atmosphere and sense of life that makes each wine region unique.

AEROPAR … Are you interested in the world of aviation? Your going to be at the right place at the Travel+ Exhibition, you can meet active and retired pilots, technical experts and flight attendants! At the event, we will take you back in time: you can see one of the most beautiful buses in Aeropark’s nostalgia fleet, the Malév Air Tours Ikarus 250, and a Malév Zsiguli that served on the Ferihegy concrete for decades. In addition, our rolling simulator will arrive, in which anyone can experience the experience of flying an airplane.

BOARD GAME ISLAND … At the Board Game Island, experienced game masters from Gémklub await anyone who wants to play, with their help you can try out the most popular family, children’s and party games, as well as several Game of the Year award-winning board games. In addition to the gaming experience, there is also a discounted shopping opportunity at the stand.

E-BIKE TEST&SHOW … On a 3,000 m² test track, anyone interested can test out a wide range of electric bicycles from Hungarian brands free of charge.

CARAVAN FAIR … One of the most important topics at Hungary’s leading tourism exhibition is undoubtedly the Caravan Fair, featuring caravans and motorhomes, which will continue to welcome visitors in 2026 as usual. Most of the exhibitors travel regularly themselves, so for those who are more experienced, this is an annual meeting place, and for those who are just getting to know this form of travel, it is a great opportunity to gain first-hand information from more experienced travelers.

UNTRAVELED ROADS FESTIVAL … If you are attracted by unknown destinations, special stories and discovering the world from a different perspective, the Untraveled Roads Festival is for you. Meet travelers, listen to inspiring presentations and gain ideas on the main stage of the Travel+ exhibition!

AFRICAN EXPO … The Expo welcoming everyone to the 14th Africa Expo Budapest, one of the largest international African forums in the region! This time, the focus of the event is on global responsibility, the role of young people and the diverse values ​​of Africa.
The event aims to strengthen relations between Hungary and Africa and provide a platform for professional and business cooperation.

PRIZE GAMES … During the 4 days of the event, visitors can not only gain experiences and inspiration for their upcoming travels, but also compete for valuable prizes. Among other things, a one-week dream vacation in Egypt will be won, and among the e-bike testers, a TYGON R10 P electric bicycle will be raffled off, offered by KELLYS BICYCLES!

To participate, you need to register using the QR codes placed in Pavilion A and then answer the questions correctly. The draw for the offered prizes will take place after the exhibition, on February 25, 2026, in the presence of a notary. To follow the offered prizes open: https://utazas.hungexpo.hu/en/prize-game-2026/

Register and visit the event at a discount or buy your ticket online for the professional and public days, avoiding the queue! Ticket prices: https://utazas.hungexpo.hu/en/tickets/

Recommendation by Aggie Reiter

Jelen/Lét Festival of the Hungarian Ethnic Theaters

Visitors planning to participate to the official opening of the Jelen/Lét Festival on March 14th at 7 p.m. where the Danube Artists’ Ensemble will present a Hungarian ethnic drama entitled “Ballads of the Danube” at the National Theater. It is worthwhile to get their tickets before they are sold out.

This year, the Jelen/Lét Festival of the Hungarian Ethnic Theatres will be held between March 14th and March 22nd at the National Theater, for which ticket sales have already begun. At the festival, which is realized with the professional support of the Hungarian Ethnic Theatre Association and the Hungarian Theatre Company, viewers can see Serbian, Bulgarian, Croatian, Gypsy, Greek, Armenian, Slovak and German performances every year, mostly in their native language, with Hungarian subtitles and, for the second year in a row, with a competition program, raising the standard.
We do not know of any other country where minority communities that nurture other ethnic cultures can be present for a whole week in the National Theater of their capital, which is why the JELEN/LÉT
festival is being organized in a unique way in Hungary. The minority groups are presenting their theaters’ latest works at the National Theater for the ninth time. The festival, organized by the Hungarian Serbian Theater, will be opened by the Danube Artists’ Ensemble’s production: Ballads of the Danube – Dances and Prayers Along the Danube, which brings the dances of the Danube peoples to the stage with the participation of the StEfrem male choir.

JELEN/LÉT 2026 Festival of the Hungarian Ethnic Minority Theaters
“We do not know of any other country where minority communities that nurture other ethnic cultures can be present for a whole week in the National Theater of their capital.
In the light of world events, it is more important than ever that the performing artists and performing arts institutions of the 13 nationalities be able to perform together again, to be able to stand in front of their audiences again in a joint theater celebration.
With the support of the Government of Hungary and the Hungarian National Theater, 13 minorities of Hungary can use the beautiful building for the ninth time this year to present the latest works of their theaters. Organized by the Serbian Theater in Hungary, with the professional support of the Hungarian Minority Theater Association and the Hungarian Theater Society, the audience can see Serbian, Bulgarian, Croatian, Romani, Greek, Armenian, Ukrainian, Slovak and German performances every year, mostly in their mother tongue, with Hungarian subtitles.

At the end of the festival, the results of the participating theaters in the competition program will be announced on March 22nd on the Gobbi Hilda stage in the following categories: best male lead actor, best female lead actor, best direction, best supporting male actor, best supporting female actor, best set design, best costume, best mask – makeup, most viewers, best dramaturgy, best music, best choreography.

Further information/ tickets:  info@jelenletfesztival.hu

Recommendation by Aggie Reiter

Kalászi Contemporary Dance Meeting celebrates its 20th anniversary.

The Kalászi Contemporary Dance Meeting will celebrate its 20th anniversary in the last week of January. The festival, which will take place between January 28th and 31st, is organized by Duna Táncműhely, who this time also invited contemporary dance performances for children and adults based on “traditional” movement forms to the stage of the Budakalász Village Hall.

The roots of the Kalászi Contemporary Dance Meeting go back to the Duna Táncműhely company,
since the Kós Károly Cultural Center/Kalász Village Hall in Budakalás
has regularly hosted its experimental performances since its inception, and over the years, there has been an increasing demand for the audience to see other contemporary dance performances at the Village Hall.

The Kalászi Contemporary Dance Meeting has gradually gained regional significance, as it undertakes the concentrated presentation of contemporary dance works in a unique way in the Szentendre micro-region, serving the audience’s demand for modern dance.

Recommender Aggie Reiter

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone turns 25 this Year.


Warner Bros. Discovery
is gearing up for a year-long celebration around the world to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Harry Potter film franchise.

Witches, wizards and Muggles around the world may have a magical spell on you … have again look forward to special fan experiences, spectacular screenings, exclusive merchandise and more.

When Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone hit the big screen on November 16, 2001, it was as if a key had been thrown into the wizarding world. The film was an instant box office success and became the highest-grossing film of the year. This spell launched an eight-film phenomenon that has grossed over $7.7 billion worldwide, making Harry Potter one of the most beloved franchises of all time and still ranks among the top 20 most-watched films on HBO Max.

Now, 25 years later, the magic is stronger than ever: Harry Potter remains one of the most iconic figures in pop culture. The highly anticipated HBO Original series, currently in production at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden – arriving in 2027 – is inviting fans around the world to join in a special celebration of the wizarding legacy.

It is worth checking the local cinema schedule for exact times.

Update by Aggie Reiter

Hungarian Culture Day – 2026.

On Saturday, January 24th, 7 p.m., 60 minutes @ the Várkert Bazár Event Hall hosting a special dance performance on the occasion of Hungarian Culture Day. The production titled “Joyful Dance” – Fitos Dezső Company, based on the tradition of Hungarian folk dance, evokes the communal experiences that once characterized village weddings, spinning wheels and festive occasions. The company presents its latest piece, which showcases the dances and cultural diversity of the different regions of the Carpathian Basin, while emphasizing the physical and spiritual effects and liberating power of dance. Folk dance theatrical elements will also appear during the evening. The focus of the evening is on the community-building power of folk dance and the joy of life expressed in dance together with the artists of the SICC Theater Company will also participate in the production.

The choreographers and directors of the Joyful Dance are Enikő Kocsis and Dezső Fitos, the music is provided by the Fitos Dezső Company orchester, and the performance is performed by the company’s dance choir.

Rercommandation by Aggie Reiter

Part2. – XXV Olympic Winter Games @ Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo – Italy

As mentioned in my previously Part1., update, continuing with adding more details to this great sporty event. The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XXV Olympic Winter Games, will be held from 6 to 22 February 2026 in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, the latter having hosted the Games in 1956. The host cities were selected by the International Olympic Committee at the 128th IOC Session in 2019.

This will be the third Winter Olympics to be held in Italy; the Games were held in Cortina d’Ampezzo in 1956 and in Turin in 2006.

FULL COMPOSITION OF THE WBD EXPERT TEAM BY COUNTRY:

International: Francesca Marsaglia (alpine skiing), Tina Maze (alpine skiing), Viktoria Rebensburg (alpine skiing), Laura Robson (multi-sport), Kevin Rolland (freestyle skiing), Martin Schmitt (ski jumping).

Denmark: Malene Frandsen (ice hockey), Laila Friis Salling (freestyle skiing), Stefan Due Schmidt (speed skating), Lene Stjerne (curling), Michael Tyllesen (figure skating)

France: Margot Bailet (alpine skiing), Sandrine Bailly (biathlon), Alizée Baron (freestyle skiing), Coralie Bentz (cross-country skiing), Frédéric Bertrand (luge), Johan Clarey (alpine skiing), Pierre-Emmanuel Dalcin (alpine skiing), Matthias Dandois (multi-sport), Roddy Darragon (nordic combined), Gauthier De Tessières (alpine skiing), Jeff Devaux (nordic combined), Robin Duvillard (nordic combined), Charlotte Girard (ice hockey), Clémence Grimal (snowboarding), Lois Habert (biathlon), Nicolas Jean-Prost (ski jumping), Sébastien Lacroix (nordic combined), Maxime Laheurte (nordic combined), Robin Ligeon (snowboarding), Florence Masnada (alpine skiing and ski mountaineering), Coline Mattel (ski jumping), Thierry Mercier (curling), Nastasia Noens (alpine skiing), Véronique Pierron (speed skating), Alban Preaubert (figure skating), Vincent Ricard (bob), Sacha Theocharis (freestyle skiing), Jean-Pierre Vidal (alpine skiing), Tiffany Zahorski (figure skating)

Finland: Tuomas Gronman (ice hockey), Lennart Petrell (ice hockey), Noora Räty (ice hockey), Annina Rajahuhta (ice hockey), Tuukka Rask (ice hockey), Pekka Rinne (ice hockey), Kimmo Timonen (ice hockey), Antti Törmänen (ice hockey)

Germany: Jochen Behle (cross-country skiing), Fritz Dopfer (alpine skiing), Markus Eisenbichler (ski jumping), Josef Ferstl (alpine skiing), Anni Friesinger (speed skating), Natalie Geisenberger (luge), Fabian Hambüchen (reporter), Kevin Kuske (bob), Andre Lange (bob), Fabian Riessle (Nordic combined), Michael Rösch (biathlon), Werner Schuster (ski jumping)

Italy: Camilla Alfieri (alpine skiing), Kristian Ghedina (alpine skiing), Carolina Kostner (figure skating), Daniela Merighetti (alpine skiing), Elise Nakab (freestyle skiing), Fulvio Valbusa (cross-country skiing), Silvano Varettoni (alpine skiing)

Netherlands: Herbert Cool (speed skating), Jochem Uytdehaage (speed skating)

Norway: Tiril Eckhoff (biathlon), Helene Marie Fossesholm (cross-country skiing), Ida Marie Hagen (nordic combined), Robert Johansson (ski jumping), Henrik L’Abee Lund (biathlon), Ida Njatun (speed skating), Martin Johnsrud Sundby (cross-country skiing), Lars Vågberg (curling)

Poland: Katarzyna Bachleda-Curus (speed skating), Aida Bella (speed skating), Mariusz Czerkawski (ice hockey), Jakub Kot (ski jumping), Justyna Kowalczyk-Tekieli (cross-country skiing), Dagmara Krzyzynska (alpine skiing), Magdalena Palasz (ski jumping), Tomasz Sikora (biathlon / cross-country skiing), Marcin Szafranski (alpine skiing)

Spain: Carolina Ruiz Castillo (alpine skiing), Javier Fernandez (figure skating), Miguel Galindo (alpine skiing), Regino Hernandez (snowboarding), Sara Hurtado (figure skating), Ander Mirambell (skeleton)

Sweden: Sara Carlsson (curling), Elisabeth Hogberg (biathlon), Andre Myhrer (alpine skiing), Martina Schriwer (moguls), Håkan Södergren (ice hockey), Mats Sundin (ice hockey)

United Kingdom: Emma Carrick-Anderson (alpine skiing), Lamin Deen (bob), Mike Dixon (biathlon), Ed Drake (alpine skiing), Aimee Fuller (snowboarding), Charlie Guest (alpine skiing), Lutalo Muhammad (multi-sport), Eve Muirhead (curling), Amy Williams (skeleton)

Update by Aggie Reiter

Part1. Broadcasting XXV. Winter Olympics – Warner Bros. Discovery 2026.

The countdown have had started … The flame will be lit in a month at the XXV. Winter Olympics – Italy

 On Wednesday, February 6, the flame will be lit in Milan at the XXV. Winter Olympics, for which 15 Hungarian athletes have so far secured quotas and two more are expected to qualify. More than 2,900 athletes from 90 nations are expected to participate in the winter games. A legendary team of winter sports experts with a total of 109 Olympic medals will provide information to viewers during Warner Bros. Discovery’s Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics broadcasts.
February 06. 8 p.m. relax by your TV set and watch the brilliant opening ceremony broadcasted from Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium .

Warner Bros. Discovery’s coverage of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will begin on Wednesday, February 4, with the Opening Ceremony taking place at Milan’s iconic San Siro Stadium on Friday, February 6, and continuing through to the Closing Ceremony on Sunday, February 22. Eurosport will provide live coverage, while HBO Max will bring you all the Winter Olympics events in one place, all at once.

The home of the Olympics in Europe, WBD has assembled a veritable pantheon of winter sports presenters, experts and commentators. The team includes the most successful Slovenian alpine skier two-time Olympic champion Tina Maze; Germany’s four-time Olympic luge champion Natalie Geisenberger; Poland’s Justyna Kowalczyk-Tekieli, who won two Olympic gold medals in cross-country skiing; the Netherlands’ Jochem Uytdehaage, a two-time Olympic speed skater; and British skeleton competitor Amy William, who won gold at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

New documentaries  produced by Warner Bros. Discovery follow the journey to Olympic stardom. The documentaries will debut on Eurosport and HBO Max on February 2. In honor of the athletes who are about to enter the sport, Warner Bros. Discovery is also releasing two new 60-minute winter sports documentaries, produced by Warner Bros. Discovery. Mentioning: She Who Dares is a documentary about five pioneering female ski and snowboard talents from the United Kingdom. 

Known as the home of the Olympics in Europe, WBD has assembled a veritable pantheon of winter sports presenters, experts and commentators. The team includes the most successful Slovenian alpine skier of all time, two-time Olympic champion Tina Maze; Germany’s four-time Olympic luge champion Natalie Geisenberger; Poland’s Justyna Kowalczyk-Tekieli, who won two Olympic gold medals in cross-country skiing; the Dutch Jochem Uytdehaage, a two-time Olympic speed skater; and British skeleton competitor Amy William, who won gold at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

Update inforforation by Aggie Reiter