|  1/22/2006 - Baltimore Reception to raise funds for Freedom Dance: The Movie
- an animated film about the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. About
40 people gathered to meet Edward Hilbert, Steven Fischer, and Craig Herron
and to hear more about their remarkable film project.
The
artists are selling original artwork and stills from the film to raise
funds for the film which is near completion.Based on the actual  drawings
byEdward Hilbert,child star of "Meseauto," the film chronicles
Edward's experiences asfreedom fighter and refugee.
 The
Hungarian Embassy's Károly Dán and AHF Vice President Bryan
Dawson gave speeches supporting the film and honoring the heroes
of 1956. Read
Bryan Dawson's Speech below, [download his speech] or [read
more] about Freedom Dance.
Freedom Dance
Comments of AHF Vice President Bryan Dawson at Reception in Support of Freedom Dance:
The Movie, an animated documentary film by Craig Fischer and Craig Herron. Norman & Sara Brown
Art Gallery, Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore, January 22, 2006
 Many to this day can hardly fathom how a tinynation could have the courage to take up arms to
defy and fight against one of the most brutal superpowers in world history.To understand 1956,
we must first understand the Hungarian People.
 A nation that spans over one thousand years
cannot be understood in a short speech, but I hope to give you a taste of what it means to bea
freedom-loving Hungarian. Democracy and the willingness to fight for it, is not a new
phenomenon in Hungary…
 1222…The Golden Bull of 1222, Hungary’s Magna Carta and Hungary’s first written
Hungarian constitution determinedthe principle of equality between nobles, election of the
King, and occupied a central place in the thought of the Hungarian aristocracy for centuries. It
contained a "clause of resistance," whereby if the king failed to keep his word, the nobles were
invested with the right to resist and oppose him without charge of disloyalty.
 1550… The diet of Torda, in Transylvania, Hungary, granted freedom of worship to the
Lutherans with the words: "Every man may hold to his God-givenfaith, and under no
circumstances shall one religion interfere with another. Hungary was the very first place on the
earth where freedom of religion was declared and legalized. (Reference: http://www.hungarianhistory.hu/lib/transy/transy08.htm)
1600... Hungarian nobleman, Capt. John Smith went off to fight the Turks in Hungary. He
fought bravely, was captured, sold into slavery in Russia, escaped, and returned to Hungary to
receive his coat of arms. The money he would receive allowed him to fund an exhibition where
he would meet Pocahontas and make American history.
 1779... “The best cavalry the Rebels ever had,” said British Brigade Major Skelly in
describing Col. Michael Kovats’American Hussar Brigade during the American Revolution.
Kovats offered his sword to Benjamin Franklin and died a hero’s death at the battle for
Charleston, S.C. Immortalized at the Citadel, he is known as a founding father of the US
Cavalry. He is the first Hungarian to give his life for American freedom and independence.
 1852... “All for the People and All by the People; Nothing About the People Without the
People - That is Democracy!” These are the words of Hungarian patriot Louis Kossuth, leader
of the 1848 democratic revolution, spoken before the Ohio State Legislature… 11 years before
Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.
Hungarians have been tied to America inextricably from the start and have always looked to
America as a beacon of hope.
 1935... Hungary, after being ripped apart after WWI, was in the midst of a depression
economically and spiritually. Fittingly, the blockbuster of that year was called “Meseauto,” or “Dream Car.” The story of a young woman, an expert window shopper who was all too aware
she could never afford the items she dreamed of owning. A young child actor, Edward Hilbert, whom we honor here today, stole the hearts of
millions and represented the future. Like them, Hungarians dreamed of better days; the
lighthearted film represented those dreams. But hope was not easy to come by.
 1944… The West was unwilling to address growing instability in Europe and Hungarian
concerns over its population and territorial losses, thus throwing the now tiny Hungary,
caught between the Soviets in the East, and growing power of the Axis in the West, into
the Axis sphere. The fiercely independent Hungarians would again resist, and Hitler
ordered a government takeover in 1944. But as many of you who have Hungarian family know,
most Hungarians don’t like being told what to do.
Stories of resistance emerged, such as that of Col. Koszorus (the father of AHF’s 1st Vice
President), who ordered his First Armored Division into action against pro-Nazi forces in J uly
1944, preventing the deportation of hundreds of thousands of Jews from Budapest.
Congressman Tom Lantos called Koszorus a “Hero of the Hungarian Holocaust” and remarked
that this unparalleled action was the only case known in which an Axis power used military
force for the purpose of preventing deportations. The action delayed the Nazi takeover for 3.5
months, allowing tens of thousands to escape or find refuge and also permitted Raoul
Wallenberg to coordinate his successful and effective rescue mission. But history was again not
on Hungary’s side. A few short years later, she was under a brutal, Soviet-installed government.
The stage was set for the next Hungarian Freedom Fight!
1956… the brutal oppression of 1950’s communist Hungary exploded into renewed
demands for freedom, independence and democracy. Edward Hilbert, that young child star
of “Meseauto” who stole so many hearts, now found himself on the side of the students,
intellectuals and workers as Hungarians of all walks of life again rose up to rid themselves from
foreign control and the misery of communism. They fought desperately for freedom and their
14 points of basic democratic values. This was the first tear in the Iron Curtain.
Hungary looked to America and the West for help, but despite encouragement from Radio Free
Europe and the Hungarians’ desperate pleas, help never came. 200,000 would flee Hungary
bringing untold talent and skill to the shores of many nations (reference “Nobel Prize Winners and Famous Hungarians” at www.famoushungarians.com). In the midst of
the agonies of the revolution and the difficult escape, young Edward Hilbert began his “freedom
dance” as he chronicled his experiences in the best way an artist could: in his drawings.
2006 marks 50 years after the triumph of 1956. It is with great pleasure to stand here to
reflect on this remarkable film project. I congratulate filmmakers Steven Fischer and Craig
Herron for telling Edward Hilbert’s story in such a unique way – as unique as Ede bacsi
himself. But “Freedom Dance” also tells the story of my mother and every Hungarian Freedom
Fighter. For that, I thank you.
1956 brought Hungarians from all walks of life, religions, and from all political persuasions
together to fight for a common cause. It is that unifying force we must seek again.
The American Hungarian Federation was founded in 1906 and has been a relentless advocate
for freedom and democracy and a watchdog on human rights, but much work remains. Preservation of Hungarian culture here at home, anti-Hungarian violence in the Vojvodina
region in northern Serbia, ethnic cleansing, church and synagogue property restitution in Rumania all remain significant challenges to democracy in Central and Eastern Europe.
Thank you all for supporting Freedom Dance. As the son of a 1956 Freedom Fighter, I take it
personally. The American Hungarian Federation also invites you to join us as we prepare for the
50th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution. Our 1956 commemoration committee welcomes
your participation. Our children’s children need you.
Only in unity can we find strength. May the spirit of 1956 lead us to that unity. Let us dance
together for freedom. “Most vagy Soha!” |
About Freedom Dance: the Movie
 "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 theHilberts)
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]
[Watch the Movie Trailer]
[back to all AHF news
Join online!
 Sign
up for the AHF mailing list.
Your information is not shared!
|
