Fekete pont

There’s a rich seam of films set in schools which spans fiction and documentary, including titles as diverse as François Truffaut’s L’ARGENT DE POCHE (1976), Abbas Kiarostami’s MAŠQ-E ŠAB (1989), Laurent Cantet’s ENTRE LES MURS (2008) and Ruth Beckermann’s FAVORITEN (2024). FEKETE PONT, Bálint Szimler’s sensitive and remarkably confident debut, is the latest addition to the subgenre. Like his predecessors, Szimler presents a school as a microcosm for broader society—here, that of contemporary Hungary —laying bare its prevalent values and political tendencies. The story of ten-year-old Palkó, a new student who has just moved from Berlin, and his young and idealistic literature teacher Juci, also a new arrival, exposes an environment where difference and initiative are punished, conformity is fostered and students are encouraged to tell on one another. Aided by the impressive cast of children, Szimler expertly balances the film’s narrative and critical dimensions. The authenticity of the class situations and the dynamics between students, teachers and parents only render the injustices depicted more flagrant and the attendant social commentary all the more urgent. (Giovanni Marchini Camia)

In the presence of Bálint Szimler.

Bálint Szimler: EGYMÁS MELLETT (2008, K), ITT VAGYOK (2010, K), BALATON METHOD (2015)