Hungarian wedding: a movie blending folk dance and traditional music in a heartwarming love story

The romantic dance film Hungarian Wedding, directed by Csaba Káel and shot by Tamás Lajos, dazzled audiences with its Friday night premiere in Csíkszereda (Miercurea Ciuc) — the first stop of a four-day Székelyföld (Central Romania) screening tour celebrating Hungarian Culture Day. Organised by Vándormozi in its Romanian debut as an independent distributor, the event drew such massive crowds that organisers ran back-to-back showings. Thrilled fans showed up in traditional folk attire, turning the night into a vibrant celebration of heritage.

Unforgettable thrills

Speakers raved about the film’s power. Consul Péter Gyombolai from Hungary’s Csíkszereda Consulate hailed it as a heartfelt tribute to “our shared values and traditions,” delivering not just unforgettable thrills but a surge of unity, resilience, and pride in Hungarian identity. Local councilor Zoltán Füleki called it “magnificent and authentic,” urging more films to capture weddings from Gyimes, Felcsík, and other Transylvanian regions—while stressing the need to pass these traditions to the next generation, the Hungarian News Agency wrote.

At the packed Q&A, director Csaba Káel beamed: “Nothing beats the thrill of Hungarians embracing and showcasing their spirit. This film captures that pride and self-assurance for our people and the world.” Inspired by a youthful 1980s trip to Kalotaszeg—where an architect-student crashed a wedding in Magyarvista—he’s been hooked on Transylvania’s warmth ever since.

“It’s our thanks to Transylvania for its boundless energy and joy”

Teaming with Tamás Lajos, they crafted a love letter to Hungarian folk music and dance, rediscovering these treasures to show younger generations their rich legacy. “It’s our thanks to Transylvania for its boundless energy and joy,” Káel added, honoring the táncház movement pioneers who brought folk culture to cities.

Cinematographer-producer Tamás Lajos shared behind-the-scenes magic: Over 38 shooting days, eight unfolded in Kalotaszeg, with stunning exteriors in Méra, Magyarvista, and nearby villages. “The whole region rallied around us with incredible hospitality—the spirit of the place united everyone.”

We also wrote about the most famous Hungarian wedding traditions and what you should be aware of if invited.

Hungarian wedding: blending folk music, dance, and romance

Blending folk music, dance, and romance into cinematic gold, Hungarian Wedding, already a tremendous success in New York, weaves a love story, cultural odyssey, and homage to Ferenc “Tata” Novák’s legacy. Stars like Franciska Törőcsik, Tamás Kovács, Zsombor Kövesi, and Anna Györgyi shine alongside folk legends Sebestyén Márta, Ferenc Sebő, Muzsikás, István “Szalonna” Pál, Zoltán “Batyu” Farkas, and artists from the Hungarian National Dance Ensemble. Choreography by Zoltán Zsuráfszky, Zsuzsa Zs. Vincze, and Gábor Mihályi; script by Miksa Békési; editing by Viktória Kiss and Lili Makk; score by Norbert Káel.

Catch it next: Saturday at Rákóczi Center in Székelyudvarhely, Sunday at Tamási Áron Theater in Sepsiszentgyörgy, Monday at Marosvásárhely’s Palace of Culture—all followed by Q&As. After the tour, it hits Romanian cinemas for Hungarian Culture Day, with Vándormozi rolling it out across Transylvania.