VILLAGE

Istenmezején 1972–73-ban (1974)

Directed by Judit Elek

Screenplay by Judit Elek

Director of photography: Elemér Ragályi

Genre: documentary

Production: Budapest Studio

Technical specs: black and white, 78 min

Format: 1.37:1, 4 K restored, grading supervised by Elemér Ragályi DP

The initial frames of the film conjure up a rural idyll, yet profound social transformation, the gradual decline of a centuries-long stasis, also bear tension. Strong, autonomous women struggle against their exclusion in an ultralocalized world traditionally dominated by men. However, this unfolds not through spectacular dramaturgy but merely with a patient observation of the everyday. We observe ‘only’ the commonplaces of life – human relationships, rebellion and acceptance, the closed life of a small community lacking all perspective and the internal relations of two of its families – in this uncontrived, sociographical documentary.