BLUE SUNBEAM, 39min., Hungary
Directed by Karoly Palfai
THALIA, a 6-year-old autistic girl, lives her happy days somewhat isolated from her peers. Her world changes when she receives an invitation that finally pulls her out of her familiar, safe comfort zone. This is how she meets Attila Halász, a special education teacher and karate master, and his inclusive developmental program based on karate. She also encounters a small, close-knit, accepting, and diverse community currently sharing their summer camp at HEGYEM „HEART CAMP”. The Peacefull Warriors Dojo’s spokesperson and contemporary troubadour, ANDI, a person with Down syndrome, warmly welcomes THALIA. Initially shy and reserved, the young girl is soon enchanted by her peers’ friendly community, where she can relax and be herself. Dr. Attila Gubacsi’s 15th Heart Camp provided an excellent space for selfless and supportive souls to embark on a journey toward genuine belonging.

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1. What motivated you to make this film?

In today’s world, we tend to focus on the negative—the hardships and the problems. The same is true when it comes to people with disabilities. Many films explore their struggles and the difficult realities they face, which are certainly important and thought-provoking. However, many of these productions rely on sensationalism simply to attract attention.

I wanted to create an honest, heartwarming, positive, and inspiring film about the world of children with autism and Down syndrome—one that presents them from a different perspective.

We founded the HEGYEM Love Camp in 2010, so making this film felt as if I were documenting my own martial arts family.

I believe that the values of martial arts, together with the sincere, joyful spirit of these young people, can inspire many others—especially those who don’t realize that they already have everything they need to live a happy and fulfilling life.

Perhaps this film serves as a mirror, showing that happiness can be found in a different way.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

The idea came together over the course of a few months. Besides filming during the camp itself, we spent another four shooting days completing the project.

We enjoy working efficiently, so just one month later the finished film was already presented to the producers.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Unconditional Love.

4. What was the greatest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

My biggest concern was how the autistic children and young people—many of whom are highly sensitive—would react to the camera and microphones. I wondered whether I would be able to remain unobtrusive enough for everything to feel natural.

Fortunately, everything went wonderfully. From the very first test shoot, they accepted me completely, and after a while I simply became invisible to them. That allowed the film to capture genuine, authentic moments.

5. There are five stages of the filmmaking process: Development, Pre-Production, Production, Post-Production, and Distribution. What is your favorite stage of the filmmaking process?

I love the development stage because I enjoy brainstorming and building a story where every element fits together logically and the message is clear.

At the same time, I also love spontaneity and the creative flow. Very often, what I originally planned changes during filming, and I’m happy when that happens. It reminds me that, just like in life, filmmaking requires flexibility and adaptation.

Although I work professionally as an event organizer, the logistical side of pre-production is actually my least favorite part of the process. When making films, I’m a creator first and foremost—that’s what truly motivates me.

Production is pure creative magic for me. I absolutely love it. That’s the moment when something comes to life for the very first time. I enjoy seeing the film evolve into something different from what I originally imagined.

Distribution, however, is probably my weakest area. Promoting our films is always the greatest challenge. In the future, I would love to work with people who truly believe in our projects and can help us bring them to a wider audience.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I made my first short film in 2019, and that’s when I fell in love with filmmaking.

I was fascinated by the endless creative possibilities the medium offers.

Before that, I worked as a photographer, but filmmaking allows me to express my thoughts about the world in a much deeper and more complete way.

7. What film have you seen the most times in your life?

I enjoy all kinds of films, but I’m especially drawn to biographical dramas.

The Wolf of Wall Street is one of my all-time favorites.

I also love lighter films that still leave you thinking, such as The Bucket List and Love Actually.

8. In a perfect world, who would you like to work with or collaborate with on a film?

Among the more experienced actors, I’m a huge admirer of Meryl Streep, so working with her would truly be a dream come true.

Among younger actors, I would love to collaborate with Timothée Chalamet, Josh O’Connor, or Connor Storrie. They all have remarkable talent, and I would enjoy creating compelling characters for them.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experience been working on the festival platform site?

I genuinely enjoy using FilmFreeway because it’s an incredible resource for independent filmmakers.

I don’t have a management team handling festival submissions for me, so the platform takes a huge amount of work off my shoulders.

It also helps me discover festivals that match where I currently am in my filmmaking journey, allowing me to gain valuable experience, receive meaningful feedback, and achieve successes that help promote my films even further.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I’m definitely a meat lover, so I’d have to say a perfectly cooked steak.

As for traditional Hungarian food, my favorite is Lecsó (Hungarian pepper and tomato stew). In fact, my very first short fiction film was inspired by that dish.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

So far, I’ve directed two short films, a television film, a feature film, and now this documentary.

My next goal is to make a feature film that reflects a chapter of my own life—a story that is more personal, emotional, and profound than anything I’ve made before.

I’m already working on the screenplay.