Established in 1965 as the Hungarian Feature Film Review in Pécs, the festival, now known as Magyar Filmszemle (Hungarian Film Festival), was created to showcase Hungary’s annual feature film output, later expanding to include documentaries, shorts, animations, experimental films, and TV series. 

A cornerstone of Hungarian cinema, it promotes national filmmaking, celebrates emerging talents, and fosters dialogue between creators and audiences, reflecting Hungary’s rich cinematic heritage and its influence on European arthouse cinema. 

Initially hosted in Pécs, it alternated with Budapest from 1976 to 1983, then became Budapest-based, aligning with the Berlin International Film Festival to boost global visibility. 

The 2026 edition (45th) builds on 2025’s success, emphasizing innovation with categories like experimental films and TV series, reflecting modern Hungarian storytelling trends, that were produced or released after January 1, 2024

Feature Film Competition: Showcases 8–12 new Hungarian feature films. 

Short Film Program: Highlights 15–20 shorts. 

Documentary Showcase: Features 10–15 documentaries exploring Hungarian identity and social issues. 

Animation and Experimental Films: Includes innovative works and avant-garde pieces, often exhibited at global festivals. 

TV Series Category: New focus on Hungarian TV productions. 

Main Venue: Corvin Mozi (Corvin Cinema), a historic arthouse theater in Budapest’s District VIII, central for screenings and gala events.