Memories of a River

Memories of a River (Hungarian: Tutajosok) is a 1990 Hungarian drama film directed by Judit Elek. It is a historical film set in 1882 and tells the story of the last trial in Hungary of a Jew for ritual murder.[1]

Memories of a River
Directed byJudit Elek
Produced byGábor Hanák
Hubert Niogret
András Ozori
Written byJudit Elek
Péter Nádas
Music byPéter Eötvös
György ifj. Kurtág
CinematographyGábor Halász
Edited byKatalin Kabdebo
Distributed byQuartet Films Inc. (USA)
Release date
  • 8 February 1990 (1990-02-08) (Hungary)
  • 20 March 1992 (1992-03-20) (U.S.)
Running time
147 minutes
CountryHungary
France
LanguageHungarian

Synopsis

In the 19th century Austro-Hungarian Empire David Hersko, a Jewish shepherd, witnesses the attack of a young girl. His home is burned down and he finds shelter with the family of a Jewish logger. The loggers find the body of a young woman which they bury, going against local laws. They are charged with her murder and it is believed that they killed her as a ritual murder.[2]

Cast

Controversy

For the purposes of the film 14 sheep were spread with flammable substance, and then to the order by Judit Elek were burned alive.[3] 69 scientists from the Jagiellonian University demanded from authorities of forbidding Judit Elek entry to Poland. Scientists wrote among others: "No director knowing her own worth would debase herself for using so primitive and cruel methods".

Awards

The film won the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury at the 1989 Montréal World Film Festival.[4] In 1990 it won the Grand Prix at the Créteil International Women's Film Festival.[5]

References
  1. Chanes, Jerome A. (2004). Antisemitism: a reference handbook. ABC-CLIO. p. 317. ISBN 1-57607-209-6.
  2. Holden, Stephen (20 March 1992). "To Be a Jew In 1880s Hungary". The New York Times. Retrieved 26 September 2009.
  3. Holden, Stephen (20 March 1992). "Tutajosok: Review/Film; To Be a Jew In 1880s Hungary". NY Times.com. Retrieved 29 April 2010.
  4. "Director: Judit Elek". San Francisco Jewish Film Festival. 1996. Retrieved 26 September 2009.
  5. "Best Screenplay Award from Cairo". Filmunió. 9 December 2006. Retrieved 26 September 2009.


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