Jonathan Knott

Former British ambassador to Hungary, Budapest

Part of FCDO Human Rights UK in Hungary

1st April 2014 Budapest, Hungary

IV. Human Rights Movie Day

Guest blog by Marcell Lőrincz, Chairman of Subjective Values Foundation (Szubjektív Értékek Alapítvány)

Every March since 2011 the British Embassy has been organizing a very important event called the “Human Rights Movie Day”. This time our NGO, the Subjective Values Foundation, was asked to help in the implementation – so we did our best.

IV Human Rights Movie Day, 20 March 2014
IV Human Rights Movie Day, 20 March 2014

As we were cooperating so much in the “Music Against Racism” campaign before, it was obvious that we can rely on the community we created through the years. And as it is a tradition, Toldi cinema in Budapest agreed to host the event.

On 20th of March many people came to watch the films and to participate in the discussions after the show. The day was opened by Theresa Bubbear, the Deputy Head of Mission of the British Embassy. She remarked how important all the selected topics are, and also noted that despite the fact that day was the International Day of Happiness, all these issues must be taken seriously.

Theresa Bubbear, Deputy Head of Mission and Levente Nyitrai, Senior Foreign Policy, JHA and Human Rights Officer at Toldi mozi, on the day of the event
Theresa Bubbear, Deputy Head of Mission and Levente Nyitrai, Senior Foreign Policy, JHA and Human Rights Officer at Toldi mozi, on the day of the event

The first movie “Auschwitz Requiem,” directed by Kristóf Asbót and produced by the Romedia Foundation, was about the Roma Holocaust. The roundtable discussions following the film featured two protagonists, Éva Fahidi and Erzsébet Brodt, survivors of the Holocaust, who were able to tell their personal memories about that terrible part of history. There was a conclusion about the present day situation in Hungary – the strengthening of the far-right and increasing radical voices suggest that people did not learn from history.

Éva Fahidi and Erzsébet Brodt, survivors of the Holocaust, among members of Subjective Values Foundation
Éva Fahidi and Erzsébet Brodt, survivors of the Holocaust, among members of Subjective Values Foundation
Exciting roundtable discussions unfolded around the first film, 'Auschwitz Requiem' engaging the audience on topics such as the Roma Holocaust and its legacy
Exciting roundtable discussions unfolded around the first film, ‘Auschwitz Requiem’ engaging the audience on topics such as the Roma Holocaust and its legacy

The next film “Why Hungary” introduced immigrants, who became successful in Hungary, while “Regina”, by Diana Groó told the story of the first female Jewish rabbi. In the small room we showed “Tollfosztás” from Rodrigó Balogh, which is about the serial murder against Romas. Then, the “Three Weddings” gave a picture of the difficulties of mixed (citizen and migrant) couples. At the end, the screening of “Music Against Racism” helped to understand why music is a great tool against intolerance.

All together, we got a lot of positive feedback after suffering so much from radical comments on the event’s Facebook page. The visitors enjoyed the film, actively participated in the debates and all of them are looking forward to next year’s continuation.

Sosinet.hu’s video interview with DHM Theresa Bubbear – entitled ‘Films for Human Rights‘ (Filmekkel az Emberi Jogokért)

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the British government.

About Jonathan Knott

Jonathan Knott was appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Hungary in March 2011 and arrived in Budapest in February 2012 to take up his post. He left this post on April…

Jonathan Knott was appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to
Hungary in March 2011 and arrived in Budapest in February 2012 to take
up his post. He left this post on April 2015.
He has previously held a variety of diplomatic posts at home and
abroad, several with a particular focus on commercial and corporate
finance issues. Jonathan has served in a number of positions in the
British Diplomatic Service since joining in 1988:
Before his appointment was Deputy Head of Mission and Director for Trade and Investment in South Korea from 2008 to 2011.Between 2005 and 2008 he held the post of Deputy Finance Director in the FCO.From 2000 to 2005 he served as First Secretary (Trade, Corporate Affairs and Finance Negotiator) in UKDel OECD Paris.From 1996 to 2000 he was First Secretary (Head of Political/Economic/Aid Section) in Mexico.From 1995 to 1996 he worked in the FCO as Deputy European Correspondent at the EU Directorate.Between 1991 and 1995 he served as Third later Second Secretary (Political / Press and Public Affairs) in Havana.From 1990 to 1991 he was Desk Officer in the FCO’s First Gulf War Emergency Unit.Between 1988 and 1990 he worked as Desk Officer in the FCO in the Anti Drugs Cooperation Department.
Jonathan holds an MA in law from Oxford University, and he is a
member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. He speaks
English, French, Spanish and Hungarian. He is married to Angela Susan
Knott and has one daughter and two sons.

Follow Jonathan