Ladies and Gentlemen,

This letter is to update you on the latest developments of the feature length documentary film project “Torn from the Flag” about the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, its international effects and participants. I am happy to report that we made significant progress because of a very active and successful quarter! Due to all of the positive feedback and support we are now much closer toward our goal.

In November, the Arpad Academy kindly invited us to their annual congress in Cleveland where I delivered a lecture about the project. The visit to this region provided an excellent opportunity to introduce our plan, make important contacts and do some research in the library of the Hungarian Heritage Museum. While in Cleveland, we applied for the Hungarian Cultural Development Panel’s grant and were awarded funds in December, 2003.

A fruitful meeting took place in Pittsburgh at the well-known fraternal benefit society, the William Penn Association (http://www.williampennassociation.org). George S. Charles Jr. National President, Diane N. Torma National Vice President-Treasurer and Andrew McNelis Director were kind enough to convene at our request. The results: the Board of Directors voted to support the film. During our New York fundraising this past March, Steven J. Varga Chairman of the Board personally handed over the company’s first installment for the production.

In January, a six-week visit took place in Hungary to further develop the project artistically, historically, geographically and financially. Meetings with the National Film Archive, various museums, film and cultural institutions, television stations, researchers and investors brought positive results. Dr. Ferenc Madl President of the Republic of Hungary was informed about the project. In his reply he expressed enthusiasm and support for the film. A dialog was initiated with the Educational Ministry regarding an educational idea involving the film that might be beneficial to schools and students across the country. Balint Magyar Educational Minister also articulated his appreciation and support for “Torn from the Flag.”

Our PR campaign was undoubtedly high profile: television interviews (three national and one regional), a national radio interview (http://real1.radio.hu/kossuth.htm, find under February 8, 6-7 am) and newspaper interviews (two national and one regional). If interested in reading one of them, log on to http://www.mn.mno.hu/index.mno?cikk=196313&rvt=7&pos=30&norel=1&pass=3. Laszlo Cselenyi, Director of the Urania National Film Theater (Europe’s official “most beautiful cinema-castle”) offered to have the Hungarian premier in this movie theater. (www.urania-nf.hu)

In February, several victorious appointments in Switzerland lead to the involvement of the local Hungarian community and the discovery of additional, recently released archive material that will bring great value to the film.

In March, upon invitation of Gabor Garai Honorary Consul and Csaba Csenteri President of the Hungarian Society of Massachusetts (www.bostonhungarians.org), I delivered a speech in Boston explaining the concept and goals of the film. Due to the audience’s enthusiasm, the society proposed an idea to involve the local community in the project.

Thanks to the selfless help of Dr. Gabor Horvath Consul General, Peter Sarkozy Deputy Consul General and Dr. Balazs Somogyi President of the Hungarian Cultural Society of Connecticut, our New York fundraising had a significant turnout. Ivan Stoynov Chief of the Television News and Production Facilities Unit Department of the United Nations assured us of his assistance should we need any visual material from the organization. Krisztina Kiss concert pianist’s musical interlude made the evening even more memorable. Donors of the evening included: Hungarian Cultural Society of Connecticut, Elizabeth Molnar Rajec, Vilmos and Katalin Kovacs, Stephen and Magdolna Lakatos, Thomas and Suzanne Nonn. You may find pictures of the prestigious event on www.gimagine.com.

It was also a real honor to be presented with a letter of support by Dr. Laszlo Molnar Ambassador of the United Nations. This acknowledgement reassures the importance of the international concept of the film.

In Vancouver, almost 250 individuals purchased dinner and program tickets for the fundraising. We enjoyed a brilliantly funny cabaret program, which was organized, written, directed and acted by Georgina Hegedos along with many other excellent volunteer performers and musicians. Andre Molnar Honorary Consul was the Principal Patron of the event. With the altruistic leadership of the Hungarian Cultural Society of Greater Vancouver and the 1956 Hungarian Memorial Foundation the Vancouver Hungarian community displayed exemplary unity and devotion to the project. Donors included: Dr. Joseph M. Molnar, Dr. Gabor Vasarhelyi and Ria Csato, Zale and Kristina Tanner, Alex Csizmadia, Bill and Julia Fabian, Margaret Maria Koppanyi, Lajos and Margit Kutasi, John and Veronica Hegedus, Louis and Elizabeth Fabian, Elisabeth and Kalman Hajdo, Antal and Susan Erdesz, Matilda Milinkovich, John and Eva Kerti and many anonymous donors.

Also while in Vancouver, we received an additional gift in the form of a lovely 30”x22” hand-painted aquarelle by Belgrade born, Budapest raised, fine-artist who also left Hungary in 1956, Gyula Varga. For your information the watercolor has been attached to this email and is available for sale: $550 without frame, $700 with frame. The proceeds of the painting will be generously donated to “Torn from the Flag.” If you would like to purchase this piece of art, please contact us at klaudiakovacs@msn.com.

In April, we were notified that our Phoenix fundraising had to be postponed due to technical reasons. We apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused. We would like to make sure that the Arizona community is also included in this project, so please do not hesitate to send your contribution.

Aside from the above mentioned events we received bighearted donations from the: Hungarian Literary Society of Ronkonoma, Hungarian Cultural Association of Hungarian Reformed Church, Szablya Consultants, Budapest Travel, Dr. Stephen and Magdolna Lakatos, Dr. Miklos Toth and Elena Carretta, Alfred Klein, Blaise Pasztory, Joseph and Nellie Vigh, James and Sarah Crabb, Bela and Kathleen Petheo, Pod Kristine, Elizabeth Petheo, John and Elizabeth Chato, Bela Bognar, Jozsef and Agatha Bezovics, Andras Csurka, Maria Tar, Laszlo and Linda Beres, Michael Dady, Ellis Whiting, Steven Szablya, Michael Esposito, Elemer Halasz, Eva, Elizabeth and Barbara Kiss, Marylee Meehan, Gaak Inc. and Alex Cao.

The in-kind donations are also an important part in the realization of the development of the film. Istvan Pazsitzky, Owner and President of Pannon Telecom (www.pannontel.com), a long-distance telephone company, already with the lowest rates we have ever seen, generously offered their sponsorship. A partial sponsorship was presented to “Torn from the Flag” by Bea Henley, Owner of an international, Los Angeles based travel agency Budapest Travel (www.budapesttravel.us). Livia Feher’s in-kind donation included first class graphic design for our website. Marta Lugosi’s office assistance is truly appreciated as well. We are also grateful for all the research material we continuously receive from all over the world.

Our next fundraising will be in Los Angeles on May 29, 2004 at 5 pm at the United Hungarian House (Magyar Haz). Szabolcs Kerék-Bárczy, Consul General will be the Principal Patron of the evening. Genie Award (Canadian Oscar) nominee and Jaszai Mari Award winning comedian Georgina Hegedos will provide the excellent entertainment. Dinner tickets are: $45 per person. We have not even started to advertise yet but tickets have already been sold and donations offered. The rental fee for the United Hungarian House was waived and the use has been offered as an in-kind donation. Miklos Perehazy President charitably offered the wine. If you would like to attend please make your check out to “Homage to 1956, LLC.” and mail it at your earliest convenience to: Livia Feher, 1933 Pelham Avenue #3, Los Angeles, CA 90025. For information call 310.441.4792 or email livia_feher@gmx.net. Due to the great interest we can only guarantee your seat if your check is received by May 19th. Carpool is suggested. We are very much looking forward to seeing you there.

As the project takes shape we are contacting distribution companies and international television stations in the USA and in Europe. Our goal is to schedule ahead and secure air-time for the 50th anniversary. If you have dominant contacts in this field we are interested in getting in touch with you.

There are several things the project still needs:

• We are eagerly looking for an airline sponsor. If you have connections with someone within this industry, please let us know as soon as possible.
• We are looking for a printer who is willing to do our printing in exchange for advertising.
• We are also seeking volunteer office helpers in the Los Angeles area.
• We welcome travel related in-kind donations, i.e. airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, etc.
• We are still looking for the following publications to borrow long term or receive as gifts: 1. Remember Hungary compiled by Francis Laping, edited by Hans Knight (Alpha Publications, Inc., 1958), 3. Summary of UN Actions and the Nagy Imre Case - Why the UN Failed to Act?, 4. The Forbidden Sky: Inside the Hungarian Revolution by Endre Marton (Boston and Toronto, 1971, Little, Brown and Company).
• We are looking for additional Bulgarians, Greeks and North Koreans who were in Hungary in 1956 and fought alongside the Hungarians. We are also seeking Russians who fought on either side.

The foundation for a successful future needs to be laid down now. It is crucial for us to complete the budget in the very near future. Investment opportunities are still available along with credit card donations. You may also contribute to this important historic film by a personal check. For US tax-payers donations are tax-deductible. If you supported “Torn from the Flag” last year kindly consider to the same in 2004. Do not hesitate to inform your family and friends either. Please take action and make your donation-check to the International Documentary Association and mail it to:

Klaudia Kovacs, Producer / Director
1626 North Wilcox Avenue #393
Hollywood, CA 90028

On behalf of the entire creative team of “Torn from the Flag” I would like to express my personal gratitude for joining in on this exciting and rewarding project. Thank you for your attention and generosity.

Sincerely Yours,

Klaudia Kovacs
Producer, Director, Writer
www.klaudiainc.com

P.S.: Just as this newsletter went to press, we received the fantastic news that George Vassiliou, former President of the Republic of Cyprus is “pleased and honored” to participate in our film as an interviewee. Mr. Vassiliou studied in Hungary in the 50’s and received his Masters Degree in Economy in Budapest. In his book “Nagyon jo egyetemre jartam, a magyar forradalom egyetemere” (“I Attended a Very Good University, the University of the Hungarian Revolution”) he shares his experience of that era. Mr. Vassiliou will undoubtedly elevate the quality of “Torn from the Flag.”