FIPRESCI convened General Assembly in Budapest

The annual FIPRESCI General Assembly took place in Budapest on September 17–18, hosted by the Hungarian National Film Institute (NFI) within the framework of the Budapest Classics Film Marathon.

This year’s assembly was of particular significance, as FIPRESCI celebrates its centenary in 2025. It also marked a historic transition: the first assembly since the retirement of Klaus Eder, who had served as General Secretary for 38 years. A record number of 30 delegates attended, representing countries from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Elections were conducted under the Federation’s revised Statutes. In line with a more democratic and contemporary governance model, the new FIPRESCI Board is now composed of a President and three Vice Presidents, with no General Secretary. Read the details on elections on the link.

Alongside addressing key professional matters, delegates also took part in the rich cultural program offered by the hosting festival.

They attended the opening ceremony of the Budapest Classics Film Marathon, which featured a screening of Being Julia by renowned Hungarian director István Szabó, recipient of the FIPRESCI 100 Lifetime Achievement Award earlier this year at the Cannes Film Festival.

Delegates also joined Institut Lumière and Cannes Film Festival director Thierry Frémaux for a cinematic journey at the historic Urania cinema, the site where the very first Hungarian film was shot.

The festival program further included encounters with acclaimed filmmakers David Cronenberg, Atom Egoyan, and producer Robert Lantos. A highlight for many was the signature open-air screenings in front of the iconic St. Stephen’s Basilica.

This was the second time that FIPRESCI held its General Assembly within the framework of the Budapest Classics Film Marathon — a festival whose values and spirit are closely aligned with those of the federation. We look forward to continuing this fruitful collaboration in the years to come.

Elena Rubashevska
©FIPRESCI 2025