“Give Love Create holds immense significance for both investment and audience engagement due to its universal appeal and profound themes,” Hungarian producer Julianna Ugrin tells BDE of her Docu Talents from the East feature project, presented August 18 in Sarajevo.
“The film offers unparalleled access to the mind and emotions of a leading scientist [Hungarian Gyula Dékány, who is] dedicated to discovering cures for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. It explores critical questions at the intersection of science and business, shedding light on how financial interests influence scientific research,” she underlines.
Directed by fellow Hungarian filmmaker/cinematographer Márton Vizkelety, the film also tells how, for the past 20 years, Dékány has lived 16,000 km away from his family in pursuit of scientific breakthroughs.
“His [Dékány’s] journey is marked by a relentless drive that transcends societal expectations and personal boundaries,” Ugrin stresses. “Despite his deep connection to his family, his expertise and passion in the realm of molecular science compel him to follow a path dictated by his inner calling, regardless of the challenges he faces.”
“The film’s universal elements lie in its exploration of human ambition, the sacrifices made in the pursuit of knowledge, and the ethical dilemmas inherent in the world of scientific research. Its cinematic approach and the unique access provided by the filmmakers will resonate with international audiences and stakeholders, appealing to those who appreciate in-depth, character-driven stories with global relevance.”
Director Vizkelety’s directorial debut was the award-winning Holy Dilemma, co-directed with Ugrin, which “showcased his talent for combining strong visuals with a sensitive approach to storytelling,” the producer underlines. “As a cinematographer, Márton has crafted compelling visual narratives for a range of acclaimed projects, including Keep Quiet, Ultra and Train to Adulthood. His work has garnered praise for its depth and artistic integrity.”
Ugrin adds how, in cinematic terms, the look and style of the new film are deeply influenced by Vizkelety’s strengths as a cinematographer, particularly his expertise in widescreen photography.
“The film employs a visual language that mirrors protagonist Gyula Dékány’s philosophical reflections on life, family and molecules,” she points out. “Through carefully composed widescreen shots, the film creates a sense of vastness and intimacy, allowing viewers to connect with the intricate details of both nature and human experience.”
“Associative imagery of natural elements is used throughout the film to symbolize and reflect Dékány’s scientific insights,” she adds. “These metaphorical images reinforce the observational storytelling, where situations and interviews alternate, adding layers of meaning to the narrative. The visuals are not just aesthetically pleasing but are thoughtfully crafted to resonate with the deeper, intellectual undertones of the narrative, making the film both a sensory and philosophical experience.”
At Sarajevo, Ugrin’s primary aim is to pique the interest of festival programmers and sales agents and to secure an international premiere for the project at a prestigious A-category film festival. She is also looking to secure partners for gap financing ahead of an early 2025 release.
“By reaching a wide audience, our aim is to fulfil the expectations of our supporters, including the Sundance Documentary Institute – Sandbox Fund, Creative Europe MEDIA, and the Hungarian National Film Institute,” Ugrin stresses. “This project not only promises to captivate viewers with its emotional depth and intellectual rigor but also to spark important conversations about the role of science in society, ensuring that our film’s impact is both meaningful and far-reaching.”
