Directed by Attila Dargay • 1977 • Hungary

A classic of Hungarian animation from the legendary Pannónia studio, Attila Dargay’s charming take on one of the nation’s favourite folk myths doubles as a playful anti-authoritarian rebuke. Following a cunning young goose shepherd in his efforts to get revenge on the villainous Lord Blackheart, the film sidesteps its potential as communist propaganda, opting instead for a warm embrace of the natural world and simple folk wisdom. Dargay’s bold characters are accompanied by sprinklings of Ferenc Liszt and plenty of sly humour.

MATTIE THE GOOSE-BOY • LÚDAS MATYI
Directed by Attila Dargay
Written by Attila Dargay, József Nepp, József Romhányi
From the poem by Mihály Fazekas
Cinematography by Irén Henrik
Music by Tamás Daróczi Bárdos
Starring: Károly Mécs, András Kern, László Csákányi

In Hungarian with English subtitles