Hungary appoints new heads for National Film Institute and major theatres

The Hungarian Ministry of Culture announced that the National Film Institute (NFI) has opened a public competition for its president‑CEO position. Candidates must have at least five years of experience in the film sector and five years of senior management, plus international contacts. An interim board, including producer Ágnes Pataki, producer Csaba Tóth, the head of the Hungarian Electronic Media Association and dramaturge Éva Zabezsinszkij, will evaluate the applications. The deadline for submissions is 14 September 2026.

At the same time, Culture Minister Ervin Nagy introduced a mandatory competency‑assessment for theatre directors. New applications have been published for the leadership of Budapest’s Madách Színház and Új Színház, whose current directors’ terms are ending. The reforms aim to eliminate fear, abuse of power and toxic workplace environments, with a “zero‑tolerance” stance on harassment. Selected directors will be judged on both artistic vision and proven managerial ability, and will serve five‑year terms starting 1 January 2027.