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Tuesday, Aug 19, 2003
7:30
A BIBÓ READER
The thirteenth episode in Péter Forgács's Private Hungary series-lyrical investigations into the past by way of private or home movies-is a poetic tribute to the great Hungarian political thinker István Bibó, born in 1911. Drawing on archival sources, including home movies of Bibó, as well as footage of Hungary during his lifetime, Forgács constructs a compelling, illuminating portrait of Bibó's life and vision. The soundtrack is a mix of readings from Bibó's writings and the melancholic music of Tibor Szemzö, Forgács's frequent collaborator. Whether discussing the law, human dignity, the condition of peasants, Jewish issues, or the state of Hungary, Bibó's intelligent, compassionate voice reveals his integrity and deep belief in the freedom of the individual. As always, Forgács's masterful use of his varying elements is in itself a lesson in reading a text with care, to recover, reconsider, and remember.
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