BIDF 2025: celebrate the power of documentaries in Szeged
The Budapest International Documentary Festival (BIDF), Hungary’s most prominent platform for showcasing world-class documentaries, returns in 2025 with an exciting lineup and a groundbreaking theme: "There lies a film within you too." Taking place from January 25 to February 2, this year’s festival celebrates everyday heroes – emphasizing that everyone’s life holds a story worth telling.
The central hub in Budapest
For the 11th edition of BIDF, the central hub of the festival will be in Budapest, where over 60 international documentaries by renowned filmmakers, including Oscar winners and Cannes laureates, alongside rising talents, will be presented. These films will be screened in their original language with Hungarian and English subtitles, ensuring accessibility for a diverse audience.
Szeged screenings
Szeged will play a pivotal role as one of the ten cities hosting screenings. Out of the full repertoire of the festival, six exceptional documentaries will be shown at Belvárosi Mozi between January 28 and February 2. Szeged audiences will have the chance to experience thought-provoking and visually stunning films that delve into pressing social issues, personal journeys, and inspiring stories from around the globe.
Every screening in Szeged will feature a post-film discussion – conducted in Hungarian – allowing the audience to connect directly with filmmakers or subject-matter experts and dive deeper into the themes explored in the films. This interactive element enhances the festival’s mission to foster understanding and inspire change through cinema.
Films screened in Szeged
January 28, 2025 (Tuesday), 14:00 – Gerlach (Netherlands, Dutch with subtitles)
January 29, 2025 (Wednesday), 17:45 – Antidote (USA/UK/Netherlands, various languages with subtitles)
January 30, 2025 (Thursday), 17:45 – The Sky Above Zenica (Bosnia-Herzegovina/Denmark, Danish with subtitles)
January 31, 2025 (Friday), 17:45 – Johatsu - Into Thin Air (Japan/Germany, Japanese with subtitles)
February 1, 2025 (Saturday), 17:45 – Mistress Dispeller (USA/China, Chinese with subtitles)
February 2, 2025 (Sunday), 17:45 – Dear Beautiful Beloved (Austria, Ukrainian with subtitles)
Join the festival and make your voice heard
BIDF 2025 offers Szeged residents a front-row seat to some of the world’s best documentary storytelling. This year, the festival introduces the National Audience Award, allowing viewers to decide the standout film of the year. You can vote on the individual film pages on the BIDF website.
Practical information
For details on the schedule and ticket purchases, visit the Belvárosi Mozi website. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the power of real-life storytelling – right here in Szeged.
Featured image via BIDF
