Son of the White Mare (film by Marcell Jankovics, 1981)

The ELTE–NFI FILMIO University Film Club screening and discussion series continues. We welcome university members from all ELTE faculties.

The film's motto: "In memory of the Scythians, Huns, Avars, and the other peoples of the steppe."

This animated film, based on the most famous Hungarian folk tale, Fehérlófia (Son of the White Mare), and its variants found from the Far East to Austria, explores the theme of the eternal cycle. According to the legend, Fehérlófia (Son of the White Mare) – also known as Fanyűvő (Treeshaker) – is a boy born of a white mare, endowed with superhuman strength. The story is about the boy’s coming of age and initiation: he sets out on a journey to conquer the three-, seven-, and twelve-headed dragons that took over the world after the White Mare’s death, and to rescue three princesses – Autumn, Spring, and Summer Beauty – who have been captured by the dragons. Along the way, he befriends two other mighty men, Kőmorzsoló (Stonecrumbler) and Vasgyúró (Ironrubber), who both join him, and outwits the cunning old man who tempts the boys, Hétszűnyű Kapanyányi Monyók (Sevenwinged Skullsized Gnome).

In 1984, it was selected in Los Angeles as one of the 50 greatest animated films of all time.

 

Date: 13 May 2026; 6:00 p.m.

Venue: University Square Campus, Weiss Emilia Hall (1053 Budapest, Egyetem tér 1–3., ground floor, in the hallway next to the coat check)

 

Director: Marcell Jankovics

Screenplay: Marcell Jankovics, László György

Production Design: Marcell Jankovics, Zsolt Richly, László Hegedűs

Cinematography: Zoltán Bacsó

Editing: Magda Hap

Music: István Vajda

Voice actors: György Cserhalmi, Vera Pap, Gyula Szabó

 

Our guest for the post-screening discussion: Anna Ida Orosz, film historian and archivist, animation specialist at the National Film Archive

 

Orosz Anna Ida
    Orosz Anna Ida
Agócs Gergely
         Gergely Agócs

 

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcINMtD8ekY&t=2s  

Due to limited seating, advance registration is required: https://www.ajk.elte.hu/feherlofia-1981

The organisers welcome any correspondence regarding the film club at this address.

ELTE–NFI Film Club Facebook page

 

 

Source/author of illustration:
National Film Institute