Jewish Noir in Budapest

by Alex C. Deleon

Budapest Noir is above all a film noir, and exceptional in that it is the first and only Hungarian film noir. However, it is equally exceptional in that it is the first ever film noir based squarely on Jewish content and premises. A kind of “Kosher Noir” so to speak.

The story is set in 1936 Budapest when Hungarian antisemitism is beginning to emerge under Nazi German influence. An unidentified young prostitute is murdered under puzzling circumstances. The police investigation is superficial but the single clue as to her identity is a Jewish prayer book found in her purse. The police are discouraged from following up on the investigation but a dogged crime reporter is intrigued and follows it up on his own to the consternation of the chief of Police who is basically under pressure from above to dump it and close the case.

It will turn out that the murder victim was not only Jewish but planning to elope to New York with the son of a prominent Rabbi against the wishes of her wealthy father who conceals his Jewish background and is in fact doing business in Germany in cahoots with high level Nazis.

The father is, of course, determined to keep his Jewish background under wraps and therefore uses his influence to cover up the identity of the murdered girl and his own connection with her. Without revealing the twists and turns of the plot and how it will eventually unravel, these basic circumstances are enough to qualify Budapest Noir for inclusion in any Jewish film festival as a “Jewish film” and, as a uniquely Jewish film noir, a likely candidate for showcasing in all kinds of other film festivals as well.

Fast rising Hungarian star Franciska Töröcsik is the alluring Jewish victim and makes a striking early appearance in Budapest Noir before she is put out of the picture except as a corpse on the street.

International sales agent (ISA): HNFF WORLD SALES