Hortobágy

This film-poem by the Austrian director, who followed the footsteps of Flaherty and Grierson, draws us a true picture of the Hungarian puszta and the people living there. The story focuses on the Cinege family. Cinege János is a father who prefers the old and traditional way in husbandry. He has a very opposing attitude against the 20th century's new technical inventions such as the derricks or the tractors that plough deep into the Great Plain's territory. However, he discovers that the changes have made an impact even on his own chidren. His son is amazed by the new techniques, now he rides a bicycle, and does not want to be a horseherd but a mechanic. His daughter cannot accept that – according to the traditions of the puszta – her future and marriage is decided by her father. Cinege János tries everything in his power to have his way even against his children's happiness. But at the end he accepts the changes and gives his approval to his son to leave the old profession and go to be a mechanic at the derricks, and to his daughter to get married to the person she really loves. (Verleiher-Text)