There is scarcely a cinephile, or film enthusiast, who does not recall the scene of Menzel’s film Cutting it Short in which the wife of the brewery’s manager plays an important role. The way the doctor falls asleep on the beautiful woman’s back is unforgettable, just as how short hair will be in fashion and how the spirited and unbridled wife chops off her beautiful hair, nor how Mr Pepin climbs up the chimney, or how he drains a pint of beer in a single gulp and then neatly wipes the foam from his mouth. This film just wouldn’t be the same without Magda Vásáryoáva, and Central European cinematographic art would be less without her. And there would be less for us fans as well. Born in Slovakia, Magda Vásáryoáva is not only an actress, but also is also a talented soprano. In the film version of Tchaikovsky’s opera Onegin, she sang the part of Tatyana herself. In the 1990’s, she went into politics, and became an influential judge, holding important public offices, including that of Slovakia’s ambassador in Vienna. She also ran in the presidential elections, but unfortunately did not get past the second round. We say “unfortunately”, because after seeing the above-mentioned scenes, it is impossible not to be a lifelong fan of Magda Vásáryová.

Meet-and-greet: 09.05. 18.30 Uránia National Film Theatre (Q&A Magda Vásáryová, Vica Kerekes )