
Balázs Turai
Directing
Biography
Balázs Turai (born 1985) is a Hungarian animation director. He co-wrote and co-directed of a series adaptation of Voltaire’s Candide, created the political web series Oligarchia and directed a short sci-fi satire, The Fall of Rome. His second short film Amok won the Annecy Cristal and the France TV Award for a Short Film at Annecy 2022 International Animation Film Festival and the Heart of Sarajevo for the best short film at the 2022 Sarajevo Film Festival.
Known For

As a free adaptation of Voltaire's classic, our Candide tries to win the beloved Cunégonde's heart in different contemporary settings. In the 13 episodes he finds himself in challanging situations, and has to face the cruelty of the world. He follows Master Pangloss's instructions to always stay optimistic, while travelling the world from a Californian start up company through North-Optimistan into deep space. As the novel itself our adaptation is a political and religious satire of our times.
Candide

The film’s protagonist, Tree moves into the city, where he tries to adapt to his new environment. The trash-style series is about having no roots: it analyses human relationships in the midst of such living conditions that feed hopelessness and demotivation.
Trees

A few survivors huddle together in the post-apocalyptic paradise of the Dome. There, they continue to worry about inflation, interior furnishing and the hordes of mutant frog-people at the gates.
The Fall of Rome

After losing his fiancée and his good looks in a freak accident involving an evil Santa Claus gnome, Clyde must confront his inner demons.
Amok

As a free adaptation of Voltaire's classic, our Candide tries to win the beloved Cunégonde's heart in different contemporary settings. In the 13 episodes he finds himself in challanging situations, and has to face the cruelty of the world. He follows Master Pangloss's instructions to always stay optimistic, while travelling the world from a Californian start up company through North-Optimistan into deep space. As the novel itself our adaptation is a political and religious satire of our times.
Candide
A young boy watches a horror movie with his parents and feels himself drawn into the drama.
The Cabinet of Dr. Anigari
In Hungary, more than 50 percent of all inmates end up back in prison within 5 years from their release. The tale therapy was launched in 2010 in the Heves County Remand Prison in Eger, and since its inception, more than 100 women have taken part in it. Out of them, only one went back to prison. The 26 minute-long animated documentary, which was the director's graduation film at the University of Theatre and Film Arts Budapest, introduces the tale therapy through a particular tale and everyday life of two imprisoned mother. We discover the prison life and also the desires and change in these two women through their stories and the tale. Even though they are locked up in prison, viewers can embrace their imagination and created worlds they utilize to get closer to their children's forgiveness.