A new film from Hungarian director György Pálfi, titled 'Hen', is set to offer a distinctive and poignant exploration of people-smuggling, uniquely told through the perspective of a chicken. The film reportedly employs eight different birds to embody the lead role, each chosen for specific actions such as running, pecking, or remaining still, alongside a cockerel featured as a love interest.
Director Pálfi has described 'Hen' as his most conventional film to date, a surprising statement given its unconventional narrative device. The genesis of the film, according to Pálfi, is intertwined with the political landscape of Hungary under Viktor Orbán's far-right government. He suggests that the restrictive environment may have inadvertently fostered such a striking artistic work of resistance, implying the film is a 'parting gift' from the current regime.
This innovative approach marks a notable shift for Pálfi, who is known for his more experimental cinematic works. By adopting an animal's viewpoint, the film aims to provide a fresh lens on the often harrowing and complex human experience of migration and illicit border crossings. The use of multiple birds for a single character underscores the meticulous detail and unique vision behind the production.
While specific details about the film's plot and wider implications for its characters remain under wraps, the premise alone has generated considerable interest within the cinematic community. The film’s ability to humanise, or in this case, ‘animalise’, a complex social issue like people-smuggling, offers a potentially powerful commentary on human resilience and vulnerability.