Felvidék - Horná zem

The director's family has its roots in Upper Hungary (“Felvidék” in Hungarian, “Horná zem” in Slovak), a territory with a long history of cohabitation between Slovaks and Hungarians. The First Vienna Award, signed in 1938, together with the Potsdam Agreement from 1945, changed everything however, as strictly-enforced population transfers occurred; whilst some were forced, others were tempted with false promises. Later on the topic was simply treated as taboo. Many of those affected still carry open wounds today however, as illustrated by the highly personal conversations the director has with witnesses from the time. Indeed it would appear that only younger generations are able to approach this issue with an open mind, unhindered by considerations of nationality.

A sensitive, intimate reflection on a topic that remains both highly problematic, as well as poorly understood, the film is given an additional intensity thanks to the evocative, almost magical soundtrack. CF