Budapest: B©la Tarr, the Hungarian filmmaker celebrated for his pioneering contributions to 'slow cinema,' has died at the age of 70. Tarr, recognized for his dark and apocalyptic films such as 'Damnation' and 'S¡t¡ntang³,' passed away after a long illness, APA reports, citing Variety.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the European Film Academy, where Tarr had been a member since 1997, announced his passing. The academy expressed its sorrow, noting Tarr's strong political voice and his deep respect among colleagues and audiences worldwide. His family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
Tarr was a key figure in the 'slow cinema' movement, known for its black-and-white visuals, lengthy takes, and minimal dialogue, often portraying the bleakness of Eastern European life. His 1994 film 'S¡t¡ntang³,' a seven-and-a-half-hour epic, became one of his most acclaimed works and is considered a masterpiece in the cinematic world.
Born on July 21, 1955, in P©cs, Hungary, Tarr began his career in filmmaking at 16. His early work caught the attention of B©la Bal¡zs Studios, leading to his feature debut with 'Family Nest' in 1979. Tarr pursued formal education at the Academy of Theatre and Film in Budapest, graduating in 1982. He founded the T¡rsul¡s Filmstºdi³, where he worked until its closure in 1985 due to political reasons.
Tarr's film 'Damnation' in 1988 marked Hungary's first independent film and premiered at the Berlin Film Festival, establishing his signature style. Following 'Damnation,' his notable works included 'Werckmeister Harmonies' in 2000, co-directed with his wife gnes Hranitzky, and 'The Man From London' in 2007, starring Tilda Swinton.
In 2011, Tarr and Hranitzky released 'The Turin Horse,' which won the grand jury prize at the Berlin Film Festival. Tarr announced it would be his final film, shifting his focus to teaching. He founded the Film.Factory school in Sarajevo in 2012, where he taught until 2016, inviting renowned filmmakers as visiting teachers.
Tarr's legacy in cinema and his influence on young filmmakers continue to be celebrated worldwide. His contributions to the art of filmmaking have left an indelible mark, inspiring future generations to explore new cinematic expressions.