In an exclusive interview at the 35th Trieste Film Festival, we had the privilege of sitting with Katalin Moldovai, the director and co-screenwriter of the critically acclaimed film “Without Air”. Moldovai shared her emotions about receiving multiple awards at various festivals, with a particular focus on the recognition garnered at the Trieste Film Festival, where the film won the special mention for lead actress Agnes Krasznahorkai, the Cineuropa award, and the prestigious audience award.

The Power of Audience Connection

Moldovai expressed particular pride in winning the audience award, emphasizing her desire for “Without Air” to resonate with people. The director believes that cinema is a powerful medium for connecting with audiences, and winning the hearts of viewers at Trieste validates her vision of creating a film that speaks to the collective human experience.

Unveiling the Inspiration

The heart of “Without Air” lies in a captivating story inspired by a real-life case Moldovai stumbled upon in a newspaper article. The film revolves around Ana, a literature teacher facing unexpected accusations after recommending Agnieszka Holland‘s film “Total Eclipse” to her students. Moldovai was drawn to the absurdity of how a single complaint could upend a dedicated teacher’s life, prompting reflections on the influence of Eastern European heritage on daily existence.

Real Encounters and Real Stories

Moldovai went beyond inspiration by meeting the teacher involved in the incident, who shared documentation and insights. This encounter allowed Moldovai to delve deeper into the true story’s nuances, understand the real-life consequences, and compare them to the narrative choices made in “Without Air.”

Challenges and Resilience in Filmmaking

As “Without Air” marks Moldovai‘s first feature film, we delved into the challenges she faced during its creation. She reflected on cinema as a tool of resilience, capable of surviving censorious and austere climates. Moldovai discussed the relationship with co-screenwriter Zita Palóczi, highlighting the collaborative effort that brought “Without Air” to life.

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