HungaryThe 30 percent film tax incentive that helped attract recent Hollywood films such as ‘Dune: Part Two’, ‘Maria’ and ‘The Brutalist’ to the country has been extended for six years.

Hungary, continental Europe’s largest production hub, attracted direct annual film production spending totaling $910 million, a fourfold increase over the past five years.

The extension of the tax incentive was announced in Los Angeles on Monday by the government commissioner for the development of the Hungarian film industry. Csaba KaelHe was in town to announce the winners of the Hungarian Film Institute’s inaugural awards for Best International Production Filmed in Hungary.

The Hungarian film support program, first launched in 2004, has contributed to Hollywood films such as “Hellboy II: The Golden Army,” “A Good Day to Die Hard,” “The Martian” and “Terminator: Dark Fate.” Other international productions to be shot in Hungary include “Poor Things,” Ridley Scott’s “Alien: Romulus,” “Dune: Prophecy,” “The Day of the Jackal,” “FBI: International” and “NCIS.”

“2024 marks an important milestone, the 20th anniversary of the Hungarian film support scheme, which has not only transformed our film industry, but also increased Hungary’s global presence and recognition,” said Kael. “Over the past few years, films shot in Hungary have consistently been nominated for and honored with the most prestigious awards such as the Oscars and BAFTAs. ‘Dune,’ ‘Poor Things,’ ‘Brutalist,’ and ‘Maria’ were all produced in Hungarian locations with Hungarian professionals and talent.”

The film support scheme in Hungary was scheduled to end at the end of this year. The extension of the agreement for another six years, with a budget of approximately $3 billion, was approved by the European Commission.

On Monday, Kael announced at the Melrose Rooftop Theater in Beverly Hills that “Poor Things” had been awarded the award for Best International Production Filmed in Hungary at the inaugural Hungarian Film Institute.

The newly established award is designed to recognize an outstanding work produced in Hungary with the participation of Hungarian professionals and premiered in U.S. theaters or on television channels or streaming platforms within 18 months prior to the event.

“It’s incredible that nearly 100 international feature films are shot with us every year, from breathtaking feature films and mini-series from the biggest Hollywood studios to independent films, heartfelt dramas and innovative commercials. We’re excited to continue working with international partners and tell our shared stories on all screens. This extension allows us to build on our success and deepen our commitment to take the Hungarian cinema industry to a completely new level,” said Kael.

Seven outstanding Hungarian films were presented to audiences in Los Angeles at the first Made in Hungary festival, and the festival awards were presented on Sunday. Franciska Törőcsik won the award for best actress in a leading role for “Cat Call” (Cicaverzum); László Szacsvay won the award for best actor in a leading role for “Some Birds” (Valami madarak); and “White Plastic Sky” (Műanyag égbolt), directed by Tibor Bánóczki and Sarolta Szabó, won the best film award.