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This special anniversary progress report is to update you about the latest developments on the full-length documentary film project Torn from the Flag about the significant global effects of the Hungarian Revolution and Freedom Fight of 1956 and the fall of communism.

Above all, we would like to salute and commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Revolution. 1956 was one of the greatest moments in the history of the Hungarian nation and an exceptional moment in world history. On behalf of all the filmmakers, I’d like to express that we are honored that we had the opportunity to deal with this subject. We hope that our work will reflect the utmost respect toward everyone who has participated. Many people on the team feel that gaining more knowledge about this historic event has contributed to their own personal and professional development too.

Second, we would like to express our utmost appreciation and gratitude to everyone who has helped financially or through an act or acts of service toward this project happening. The original goal was to make this a truly “community” project, which it is and has become. All the encouraging words that have been communicated to us throughout the years inspired us a lot! This achievement, that the project is on its way to fruition, is primarily creditable to the generosity and solidarity of the expatriate Hungarian community. We united for a common cause to an extent that many people didn’t feel was possible, but as we know, anything is possible: where there is a will, there is a way! We also owe appreciation to those non-Hungarians who understood the cause and contributed generously.

Current developments:

As the project is coming to completion, Torn from the Flag has been submitted to several film festivals and we are awaiting responses from the festivals. Those responses will determine the official premiere location and date, and our release strategy will be based on that information. We will keep you informed as things develop. We can hardly wait to start showing the film and share it with you!

There has been a lot of international media interest in the film, which will be incorporated into the publicity campaign once we have an accurate release date.

Torn from the Flag has been invited to be screened at the Camerimage Festival, which is the European “Oscars®” for cinematography.

We are designing a website for the film exclusively dedicated to the project. Anyone who is willing to take on this task, please contact us as soon as possible.

The 5-minute preview of Torn from the Flag will be shown, along with other notable 1956 projects, at the Goethe Institute in Washington, D.C. (sponsored by the Embassy of Hungary). The screening is free and open to the public. The Institute has posted details online at http://www.goethe.de/ins/us/was/kue/flm/en1757070.htm. We’ve already had press about this in the Washington City Paper; here is the link: http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/listings.php?keywd=&category=MOVIES&date=&stage=Search&rowcount=26

Laszlo Kovacs, Jozsef Miko and Vilmos Zsigmond received William Fox Film Club awards.

Laszlo Kovacs received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ojai Film Festival.

I was recently recognized for my efforts toward honoring 1956 with the “Hero of the Freedom Fight” (Szabadságharc Hõse) award by the Los Angeles Consulate of the Republic of Hungary and with a Certificate of Recognition by the Hungarian Freedom Fighters World Federation. I am touched, and I humbly thank them. I share these honors with all who helped with Torn from the Flag.

The preview of the film is also available for viewing here: http://www.klaudiainc.com/media/preview.html. The updated publicity list is at this link: http://www.klaudiainc.com/pages/producingpublicity.html.

For Torn from the Flag to qualify for the Academy Award race, we need to have a nationwide theatrical screening in the U.S., in commercial movie theaters, after the release date has been determined. Except in Los Angeles and New York, where it’s 7 days, any other U.S. city needs to screen the film for two consecutive days at the same location. If your community is interested in showing the film, we would very much appreciate your letting us know and we will give you the exact parameters required by the Academy.

The following people and organizations donated this quarter: Hungarian American Coalition (ongoing support); Magdalene Nemeth; Zoltan Csukonyi; Erika J. Halloran; Julcsi Baltay & Mark Kardas; Laszlo Papp; Anthony G. & Jean C. Letai; Sandor L. Szatmari; Law Offices of Philip M. Tobin; Thomas E. and Ildiko Berty (2nd donation); Laszlo Latkoczy; Nándor and Ildikó Vodnák; PJK Engineering; John & Mary Louise Uray; William A. Hada; R.D. and Patricia Lee Pavey; Peter & Esther K. Nemethy; Zoltan Imre; Janos L.F. Molnar; Lee Farkas & Michael Proctor; Sandor Szoboszlai; Sir Frank Juhasz; Minnesota Hungarians, Inc.; Paul M. & Marianne C. Toldalagi; Horvath & Assoc. Studios Inc.; Laszlo & Jill Birinyi; Theodore Horvath; Gyula & Zsuzsa Jancso (2nd donation); Classic Cosmetics, Inc. - Mrs. Ida Csiszar; Dr. Istvan Toth (2nd donation); Andrea Lauer Rice & Barton Rice (2nd donation); Dr. Andrew Senyei; Anonymous 1; Anonymous 2.

We would also like to thank the following people this quarter: Erich Lessing for the use of his stunning 1956 photographs. Zsuzsa Faludi for acting as our liaison with Erich Lessing. Julie Kroll of Summerland Entertainment for promoting our film to potential distributors. Edward Stencel and Mike Gabrawy for their continuous professional support. Patrick Hostetter and Lívia Fehér for website maintenance and posting our e-newsletter on the Internet. A belated acknowledgment to Lawrence Harasym, attorney, for legal services. Chris Horvath for help with researching music rights.

If we inadvertently leave someone out of our acknowledgements, please accept our apologies and draw our attention to the oversight.

If your contact information or your email address has changed, please do let us know so that we can keep you informed about the film’s premieres!

Again, thank you to everyone for contributing to this spirit-lifting film. We can achieve anything, together! May the message and glory of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and Freedom Fight shine on forever.

Sincerely yours,
Klaudia Kovacs
Producer, Director, Writer
www.klaudiainc.com
klaudiakovacs@msn.com

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