ORPHAN
Directed by László Nemes
Hungary, UK, France, Germany | 2025 | drama | Hungarian
1957. In Budapest, after the uprising against the Communist regime, a young Jewish boy, Andor, raised by his mother with idealized tales of his deceased father, has his world turned upside down when a brutish man appears, claiming to be his true father…
‘Orphan’ Sets June Start For Budapest Shoot As Charades & New Europe Team To Co-Sell – Cannes Market – DEADLINE article.
Credits
Director: László Nemes
Screenplay: László Nemes, Clara Royer
Cinematography: Martyas Erdely
Production Design: Marton Agh
Cast: Gyorgy Bojtik, Andrea Waskovics
Production Company: Pioneer Productions, Good Chaos (Triangle of Sadness), Mid March Media, AR Content (Leviathan, Loveless).
Co-produced by: Lumen, Twenty Twenty Vision Filmproduktion
With support of: Hungary’s National Film Institute (NFI), Mid March Media and AR Content alongside the UK’s Global Screen Fund, France’s CNC, and Germany’s FFA
Co-selling with Charades.
László Nemes
Festivals & Awards
World Premiere – Venice Biennale 2025 | COMPETITION
Toronto International Film Festival – Centrepiece
press quotes
“a film that doesn’t look like anything else at Venice this year. “
“a sophisticated endeavor”
“Orphan’s immediacy should strike a chord”
“Its intelligent, achieved substance merits serious consideration in awards discussions.”
“The evocation of a time and place is striking, every setup and framing choice precise and purposeful”
“For Nemes, Orphan confirms his mastery of atmosphere and design.”
“At the centre of the film is newcomer Bojtorján Barábas, his performance, imbued with fragility, anger and youthful vitality, anchors the narrative.”
“The filmmaking is on top form here, continually enchanting in its showcase of a tragically beautiful world that exists.”
“Nemes continues to demonstrate a proficiency in this craft, and his efforts to display the landscape truly feel awe-inspiring at times.”
“Barabas delivers an absorbing turn as the central figure”