The Citizen / Az állampolgár
Hungary 2016
Directed by Roland Vranik, drama, 102 min, eng subtitles, 16+
Written by Iván Szabó, Roland Vranik
With Marcelo Cake-Baly, Ági Máhr, Arghavan Shekari
Award-winning Hungarian director Roland Vranik's third feature film considers the many nuances of integration through an unorthodox love story.
Wilson, an elderly African refugee, wants to become a Hungarian citizen. While studying for his citizenship exam, he falls in love with his teacher, Mari. However, their life as a couple is challenged by Shirin, a young Persian woman, threatened with expulsion from the country, who seeks shelter at Wilson’s. Unwillingly, Wilson is forced to decide between his love and his solidarity for his refugee friend.
The Citizen poignantly dwells on some of the most complex issues of modern society. With Spartan use of technology, a naturalistic and pared-down mise-en-scene and mostly unprofessional actors, director Roland Vranik emphasizes the complexity of human emotions and lets the universal vulnerability of the heart mirror the equally universal vulnerability of humanity.
Awards
Port Fantasporto 2017 (Best Screenplay)
San Jose Cinequest 2017 (Best Drama)