BUILDING A STRONGER IDENTITY
FOR CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPEAN CINEMA.
As five young filmmakers from Budapest, we strongly believe that
our shared regional historical and cultural background can provide
fertile ground for exploring together and shaping the future
dimensions of what may eventually be labelled as CEE film on
the international stage.
Kinext Film primarily focus on 3 key areas
to support this goal: COMMUNITY & INTERCONNECTIVITY,
DEVELOPENT & PRODUCTION and RESEARCH.
We came up with the idea of a year-long program that brings together emerging filmmakers from the region with established
industry professionals, creating a space where new concepts and extensive experience can meet. Through the Creative Lab,
our goal is to give participants the opportunity to develop their own unique ideas with the guidance and support of experienced
mentors.
From the initial idea to a strong creative package and a mature financial plan, our goal is to guide directors
through every step of the film development process, while building a platform where Central and Eastern European talent can grow
and connect. By fostering collaboration between emerging voices and experienced professionals, the Creative Lab aims to turn
promising ideas into films that can reach audiences both regionally and internationally.
The CEE FILM SUMMIT 2027 is a 5-day-long community event to be held in Budapest that aims to identify and support the future of Central and Eastern European cinema by bringing together emerging filmmakers and established industry professionals from across the region.
Over several days, the programme will move between industry talks and panel conversations, workshops, curated screenings, and encounters with filmmakers and industry professionals from across the region. Beyond the professional programme, concerts, social gatherings, and cultural events will turn the summit into a shared experience — a place to exchange ideas, discover new voices, build connections, and celebrate CEE cinema.
An important part of the CEE Summit is the Kickoff Residency, which marks the beginning of our year-long Creative Lab development programme. Script consultations during the summit are designed as closed, one-on-one sessions for selected participants. Each participant will have the opportunity to work directly with a designated mentor and other script doctors on their own film project as part of the project's development process.
Our programmes will be led and supervised by an international mentor board consisting of experienced filmmakers and industry
professionals from the region.
Names to be announced soon.
CEO
Milán Maruszki is a cinematographer who graduated from the University of Theatre and Film Arts Budapest, with over a decade of hands-on experience on film sets working in the camera department. During his studies, he began producing his own short films, developing a strong interest in creative collaboration and film production. His experience combines a strong visual sensibility with a deep understanding of the filmmaking process.
Managing Director
Bálint Burián graduated from Copenhagen Business School as a marketing manager. Over the past decade, he has worked as a project manager across events, arts and cultural projects, and community initiatives. As Managing Director of Kinext, he oversees the coordination of its creative activities, administrative operations and legal framework, ensuring that the foundation continues to move effectively towards its goals and long-term vision.
Creative Director
Mici Varga is a film director and screenwriter who graduated from the University of Theatre and Film Arts Budapest, with experience in creative roles across film, marketing and television writing. Her short films have been screened at several renowned film festivals. With a background in psychology, she is particularly drawn to personal stories, human relationships and the inner worlds of complex characters. As Creative Director of Kinext, she contributes to shaping the programme’s creative vision and supporting emerging filmmakers.
Creative Director
Máté Noel Csizmadia is a film director who graduated from the University of Theatre and Film Arts Budapest. His short films have been screened at several film festivals. His work is driven by a strong interest in human relationships, social structures and the tensions between individuals and systems. As Creative Director of Kinext, he helps shape the platform’s artistic vision, supports emerging filmmakers and develops creative collaborations across Central and Eastern Europe.
Head of Productions
Coming soon...
We are looking for partners, institutions and industry professionals who share our vision for the future of Central and Eastern European cinema. If you are interested in collaborating with us, supporting emerging filmmakers or becoming part of our professional network, we would love to hear from you!
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