Freedom Dance: The Movie [visit the official Website]

"Freedom Dance" re-tells the inspiring story of a Hungarian-born artist named Edward Hilbert who (with his newly wedded wife, Judy) made a dangerous escape from occupied Hungary in 1956 during the violent Hungarian Revolution, taking refuge in the land of Edward's dreams: America! Throughout their 4 months on the road, Edward, the child star of the Hungarian classic film "Meseauto," kept a journal in cartoon form illustrating various episodes from his adventure: the tank blast that destroyed their home; their tense and terrifying smuggling out of Budapest; the robbery by an opportunistic escort; Christmas in Vienna; and a punishing January boat ride across the harsh Atlantic.

The documentary inter-cuts recorded interviews and photographs with character-driven animation illustrating the moments depicted by the beautiful line drawings in Edward's journal.

As 2006 is certain to pay homage to the 50th Anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution, "Freedom Dance" introduces its audience not only to this important piece of history in the never-ending fight for freedom world-wide, but also to the inspiring accomplishments of those courageous individuals (like the Hilberts) brave enough to follow a dream, and those artists creatively using cartoon art to express individuality, communicate globally, and contribute to society peacefully.

"Freedom Dance" is produced by Baltimore-based filmmakers, Steven Fischer and Craig Herron, and has received endorsements from: the Embassy of Hungary; The Mayor's Office of Baltimore; From the Heart Foundation; the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore; and the Center for Strategic & International Studies. Fiscal Sponsorship is provided by the International Documentary Association, Los Angeles, California. Additional support for the movie is provided by the American Hungarian Federation.

Steven Fischer is an Emmy-nominated filmmaker with live action and animation credits for AmeriCorps; Du Pont/Affect Films (Los Angeles); Boston Red Sox/Mort Kasman Productions (New York); and the Polish National Alliance. Steven was nominated for an Emmy® Award in 2001 for Silence of Falling Leaves, his art film-looking homage to Polish POWs murdered in the Katyn Forest Massacre during World War Two. In 2004, Fischer documented the Ireland tour of the critically acclaimed off-Broadway show, "Coole Lady."

Craig Herron has been in the animation business since the 1970s and is the owner of Herron Designs, an award-winning effects house. He has collected numerous awards including 3 Tellys, a Gold Aurora Award, and Best Animation at the Red Bull Independent Film Festival. His innovative and award-winning animated short, "A Fall From the Clouds", was distributed by New York-based Film Movement. [visit the official Website]

News

Freedom Dance was selected for the Maryland Film Festival (May 3-6, 2007). Check out http://www.md-filmfest.com/ for screening schedules.

1/12/2006 - 1956 Filmmakers Featured on Maryland Public Televsion: MPT Shoots Freedom Dance Makers!

Award-winning producers Steven Fischer (AHF Member and Emmy Award Nominee) and Craig Herron will be featured subjects on Maryland Public Television as part of the broadcaster's art program, "ArtWorks", hosted by Rhea Feikin and Nate Howard. The interview, which was videotaped on Tuesday, originally aired in Maryland on Wednesday, January 11, 7:30 p.m. and will repeat Saturday, January 14 at 9 a.m. and Monday, January 16 at 5:30 a.m. The interview focuses on Fischer's and Herron's unique and much talked about documentary based on the story by Ed Hilbert (child actor star of Meseauto), "Freedom Dance", which has been in production since Summer 2004 and which is scheduled for release this coming October. Steven Fischer was nominated for an Emmy® Award in 2001 for Silence of Falling Leaves, his art film-looking homage to Polish POWs murdered in the Katyn Forest Massacre during World War Two.

January 9 - February 10, 2006

Art Exhibit in Baltimore to raise funds for "Freedom Dance the Movie" - an animated documentary film about the 1956 Hungarian Revolution! Original Art, created for the movie, to be sold.

"As the 50th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution approaches and memories of its destruction by Soviet forces recede, it is vital to show the sufferings of ordinary Hungarians. This film is a bold endeavor to help Americans understand both the bravery of a people yearning for freedom and the brutal invasion that was intended to crush their hopes."
- Janusz Bugajski, Director, Central and East European Studies, Center for Strategic and International Studies

Freedom Dance is produced and directed by award-winning filmmakers Steven Fischer and Craig Herron. They collaborated with 1956 emigre Edward Hilbert in combining recorded interviews and photographs with the unconventional use of character-driven cartoon animation.

Where and When?

Norman & Sara Brown Art Gallery, Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore
5700 Park Heights Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21215
410-542-4900
http://www.jcc.org

Exhibit runs January 9 - February 10, 2006 with a reception Sunday, January 22, 2006 from 3-5pm. The reception is free, and we are selling the original art work from the movie (signed by Edward Hilbert) to raise finishing funds. Hungarian Ambassador Andras Simonyi and Cultural Attache Karoly Dan from the Hungarian Embassy as well as representatives from AHF will be on hand to
speak at the reception.

Are you or your organization planning an event for the 50th Anniversary of 1956? AHF is calling on all local organizations to coordinate efforts to ensure that this important event receives national and worldwide attention.

Member organizations receive publicity on the AHF Website and eNewsletters. Importantly, AHF can serve as a central information resource for all.

All are invited to help both local organizations and AHF in its own efforts at commemorating 1956 in the Nation's Capital!

AHF needs volunteers and funds to make our bold
and far-reaching goals a reality...
Join AHF and help us coordinate events around the nation and the world. Contact bryandawson@americanhungarianfederation.org or click the image below to Contribute or join online!

(You do not need to become a member to donate. The American Hungarian Federation is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.)