Freedom Dance: The Movie [visit the official Website]

"Freedom Dance" re-tells the inspiring story of a Hungarian-born artist named Edward Hilbert who (with his newly wedded wife, Judy) made a dangerous escape from occupied Hungary in 1956 during the violent Hungarian Revolution, taking refuge in the land of Edward's dreams: America! Throughout their 4 months on the road, Edward, the child star of the Hungarian classic film "Meseauto," kept a journal in cartoon form illustrating various episodes from his adventure: the tank blast that destroyed their home; their tense and terrifying smuggling out of Budapest; the robbery by an opportunistic escort; Christmas in Vienna; and a punishing January boat ride across the harsh Atlantic.

The documentary inter-cuts recorded interviews and photographs with character-driven animation illustrating the moments depicted by the beautiful line drawings in Edward's journal.

As 2006 is certain to pay homage to the 50th Anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution, "Freedom Dance" introduces its audience not only to this important piece of history in the never-ending fight for freedom world-wide, but also to the inspiring accomplishments of those courageous individuals (like the Hilberts) brave enough to follow a dream, and those artists creatively using cartoon art to express individuality, communicate globally, and contribute to society peacefully.

"Freedom Dance" is produced by Baltimore-based filmmakers, Steven Fischer and Craig Herron, and has received endorsements from: the Embassy of Hungary; The Mayor's Office of Baltimore; From the Heart Foundation; the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore; and the Center for Strategic & International Studies. Fiscal Sponsorship is provided by the International Documentary Association, Los Angeles, California. Additional support for the movie is provided by the American Hungarian Federation.

Steven Fischer is an Emmy-nominated filmmaker with live action and animation credits for AmeriCorps; Du Pont/Affect Films (Los Angeles); Boston Red Sox/Mort Kasman Productions (New York); and the Polish National Alliance. Steven was nominated for an Emmy® Award in 2001 for Silence of Falling Leaves, his art film-looking homage to Polish POWs murdered in the Katyn Forest Massacre during World War Two. In 2004, Fischer documented the Ireland tour of the critically acclaimed off-Broadway show, "Coole Lady."

Craig Herron has been in the animation business since the 1970s and is the owner of Herron Designs, an award-winning effects house. He has collected numerous awards including 3 Tellys, a Gold Aurora Award, and Best Animation at the Red Bull Independent Film Festival. His innovative and award-winning animated short, "A Fall From the Clouds", was distributed by New York-based Film Movement. [visit the official Website]

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News

Freedom Dance was selected for the Maryland Film Festival (May 3-6, 2007). Check out http://www.md-filmfest.com/ for screening schedules.

1/12/2006 - 1956 Filmmakers Featured on Maryland Public Televsion: MPT Shoots Freedom Dance Makers!

Award-winning producers Steven Fischer (AHF Member and Emmy Award Nominee) and Craig Herron will be featured subjects on Maryland Public Television as part of the broadcaster's art program, "ArtWorks", hosted by Rhea Feikin and Nate Howard. The interview, which was videotaped on Tuesday, originally aired in Maryland on Wednesday, January 11, 7:30 p.m. and will repeat Saturday, January 14 at 9 a.m. and Monday, January 16 at 5:30 a.m. The interview focuses on Fischer's and Herron's unique and much talked about documentary based on the story by Ed Hilbert (child actor star of Meseauto), "Freedom Dance", which has been in production since Summer 2004 and which is scheduled for release this coming October. Steven Fischer was nominated for an Emmy® Award in 2001 for Silence of Falling Leaves, his art film-looking homage to Polish POWs murdered in the Katyn Forest Massacre during World War Two

1/22/2006 - Baltimore Reception to raise funds for Freedom Dance: The Movie - an animated film about the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. About 40 people gathered to meet Edward Hilbert, Steven Fischer, and Craig Herron and to hear more about their remarkable film project.

The artists are selling original artwork and stills from the film to raise funds for the film which is near completion. Based on the actual drawings by Edward Hilbert, child star of "Meseauto," the film chronicles Edward's experiences as freedom fighter and refugee.

The Hungarian Embassy's Károly Dán and AHF Vice President Bryan Dawson-Szilagyi gave speeches supporting the film and honoring the heroes of 1956. [read Bryan Dawson-Szilagyi's Speech] or [read more] about Freedom Dance.

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