Originally launched in 2004 as the very first film incentive in Central Europe, the Hungarian film support scheme has already contributed to such commercial successes as ‘Hellboy II: The Golden Army’, ‘A Good Day to Die Hard’, ‘The Martian’ and ‘Terminator: Dark Fate’.
Hungary, continental Europe’s biggest production hub has reached USD 910 million direct annual film production spend, a massive fourfold increase in volume in the last 5 years.
“2024 marks a significant milestone, the 20th anniversary of the Hungarian film support scheme that has not only transformed our film industry but has also elevated Hungary’s global presence and recognition. Over the past few years films Made in Hungary are consistently nominated for and honoured with the most prestigious awards, including the Oscars and the BAFTAs. Dune, Poor Things, The Brutalist, and Maria were all crafted at Hungarian locations, with Hungarian pros and talents.” – highlighted Government Commissioner for the Development of the Hungarian Film Industry Csaba Kael in Los Angeles at the very first ‘Made in Hungary’ event on 28th October 2024.
The Hungarian film support scheme was set to expire at the end of 2024, the prolongation for another six years has been approved by the European Commission, aiming almost a nearly 3 billion USD budget.
The extension of the incentive encourages filmmakers from all over the world to continue to shoot their stories in Hungary, utilizing the countries stunning landscapes, cutting-edge studios, and the world-renowned expertise of local film professionals. Venice film festival sensation The Brutalist’s director Brady Corbet recently said in an interview: “We were shooting in a country where things would cost what they really should cost.” meaning Hungary.
In a landmark moment, National Film Institute (NF) proudly presented the inaugural
‘Best Int’l Production Filmed in Hungary’ Award to boundary-breaking, box office hit ‘Poor Things’ on the exclusive event held at Melrose Rooftop Theater, Beverly Hills.
The newly established award is designed to recognize an outstanding work produced in Hungary with the involvement of Hungarian professionals, and have been released in American distribution or on television/streaming channels within 18 months prior to the event.
“It’s incredible that approximately 100 int’l motion pictures are made with us each year - from the biggest Hollywood studios’ breathtaking feature films, miniseries to indies, intimate dramas and innovative commercials. We’re thrilled to continue working with international partners and tell our common stories on all screens. This extension allows us to build on our success and deepen our commitment to take the Hungarian moving picture industry to a whole new level.” – noted Government Commissioner Csaba Kael.
The first Made in Hungary festival showcased seven outstanding Hungarian films for audiences in Los Angeles, the festival awards were presented on Sunday evening. Franciska Törőcsik 
won Best Actress in a Leading Role for ‘Cat Call’ (Cicaverzum), László Szacsvay won Best Actor for a Leading Role for ‘Some Birds’ (Valami madarak), while ‘White Plastic Sky’ (Műanyag égbolt), directed by Tibor Bánóczki and Sarolta Szabó, won Best Picture.
The Made in Hungary event series was initiated by the National Film Institute Hungary, in collaboration with the Liszt Institute New York as its partner in the United States. Holding a speech at the Los Angeles event, dr. Csenge Palotai, director of the Liszt Institute New York said, "We are committed to supporting new partnerships between the Hungarian and American film industries and to showcasing the best of Hungarian cinema internationally. This tradition-making festival is an exceptional opportunity to take cultural relations between Hungary and Hollywood to a new level by leveraging the potential of bilateral diplomacy and local representation of Hungarian interests.”
Recent international productions filmed in Hungary include Ridley Scott’s ‘Alien: Romulus’, Protagonist Pictures’ Venice winner ‘The Brutalist’, Max Original’s ‘Dune: Prophecy’, NBC’s ‘The Day of the Jackal’, ‘Maria’ starring Angelina Jolie, Bluestone Ent.’s ‘Nuremberg’, ‘FBI: International’, ‘NCIS’ and ‘Now You See Me’ series.
More: https://madeinhungary.film
Hungarian Film Incentive: Films (for cinema and television) produced in Hungary are eligible for a 30% rebate based on their expenditure (all the direct film production costs) spent in the country. The scheme is part of the film support program approved by the European Commission. The incentive is available through local business companies who receive tax relief after their support of films or is guaranteed by the Hungarian State through the Collection Account managed by the NFI.
The financial support is provided in the form of a cash refund (post-financing).
