Memories of a River

This landmark Hungarian film fictionalizes an historic event - the last "Jewish ritual-murder" trial - and denounces Hungarian anti-Semitism for the first time. In 1882, deep within the majestic mountain wilderness of the Austro-Hungarian empire, the life of a group of Jewish loggers is turned upside-down by the ritualistic killing of a young girl downstream. A group of Jews, Poles, and Hungarians is unjustly accused of the murder and is subsequently tortured into making false confessions. A sensational and gripping court trial follows and pandemonium breaks out at the surprise announcement of the defendants' acquittal. But as each man returns home, it becomes clear that life will never be the same. A first-rate drama, powerful and haunting, with rich characterizations and a timely message.

Judit Elek, director of the 1989 Jewish Film Festival Audience Favorite, MEMORIES OF A RIVER, was born in Budapest in 1937 and graduated from the Budapest Film School in 1961. With "Encounter" (1963), "Inhabitants of Castles" (1966) and other films, quickly became one of the leading members of the Hungarian "cinéma direct" moving with ease between documentary to fiction genres. Elek's first feature, "The Lady From Constantinople" (1969) won prizes in Hungary and was shown in festivals around the world. Her latest film, "Speak the Unspeakable," shown at Cannes, follows Elie Wiesel's from the Holocaust Museum inauguration in Washington D.C. back to his birthplace in Hungary, speaking of Genocide, and of his journey from death to life. "Never forget," says Judit Elek, "this film is dedicated to our children." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Among her films: 1963 - Encounter (Tal lkoz s) 1966 - Inhabitants of Castles (Kastélyok lakói) 1967 - How Long Does Man Matter? (Meddig Él Az Ember?) 1969 - The Lady From Constantinople (Sziget A Szárazföldön) 1970 - We'll Meet in 1972 (Tal lkozunk 1972-ben) 1973 - A Hungarian Village (Istenmezején) 1974 - A Commonplace Story (Egyszerú Történet) 1979 - Maybe Tomorrow (Majd holnap) 1980 - Martinovics (Vizsg lat Martinovics Ign c sz szv ri ap t és t rsai gyében) 1983 - Maria's Day (Márai-Nap) 1989 - Memories of a River (Tudajosok) Winner of the ecumenical prize at the Montreal World Film Festival 1994 - AWAKENING (Ébredés) 1995 - Speak the Unspeakable