Csaba Káel, Government Commissioner for the Development of the Hungarian Film Industry, said it will be interesting to see whether the production breaks through language barriers.

MIPCOM CANNES is Europe’s most prestigious television event, where a production born out of an East-Central European collaboration could soon be the focus of attention. The event is attended by some of the biggest television professionals and executives from the world’s major content companies, but most importantly, it is also where the next months and years of television will be decided.

The ten-part Rise of the Raven will premiere on Tuesday October 22, 2024 at 6 p.m., with European film stars in attendance.

The series will have its red carpet premiere at Cannes, a Hungarian production has never received such a prestigious presentation.

The series is being sold abroad under the title Rise of the Raven, as the bird is the coat of arms of the Hunyadi family. The ten one-hour episodes follow the life of John Hunyadi, the general who was one of the most prominent figures of 15th century Europe.

Defying the odds, he won a decisive victory at the Siege of Belgrade (Nándorfehérvár), transforming the history of Europe.

According to producer Robert Lantos, the television production follows the story of a village boy growing up to become a fearless warrior, the savior of Europe, and the man for whom the noon bell tolls.

The boy who came from nowhere lifted up a country,” the press release quotes him as saying.

History:

In May 1456, the Turkish ruler (Mehmed II, “the Conqueror,”) launched an army of hundreds of thousands against Nándorfehérvár, which was considered the key to the Kingdom of Hungary and a route to the interior of the country. Pope Callixtus III, who became head of the Catholic Church in April 1455, announced a crusade.

On June 29, 1456, the Pope issued his prayer bull ‘Cum hiis superioribus annis,’ ordering the whole Christian world to pray for the victory of the Crusader armies. The bull also ordered, among other things, that the bell should be rung three times a day, not only in the morning and evening, but also at noon, so that the faithful could pray for those fighting the Turks.

“Rise of the Raven is epic both in history and on the screen. With its ambitious storytelling and high quality production, its exceptionally creative team and its truly international cast, it has been attracting increasing interest worldwide since its announcement, and we are delighted to be hosting the first screening in Cannes,” emphasized Lucy Smith, Director of MIPCOM CANNES and MIP LONDON.

The series was made with over 600 international actors, and the production is unique in that the actors speak in their native languages, adding to its historical authenticity. It will be broadcast in Hungary by TV2 in early 2025.