The gallery of the Hungarian cultural institute draws the attention of the citizens of Sofia. And it couldn't be otherwise, you seem to have a new exhibition every ten days!
The small gallery we have is very appropriate for exhibitions. The spot is nice and it makes it famous. But on the other hand, it is not a real gallery – we arrange small exhibitions. And our goal is to have bigger activities with visits from the famous Hungarian galleries. We want to arrange small “advertising” exhibitions which are to prepare the bigger ones between the national institutions. In the near future we are expecting a visit of a very interesting exhibition of act photography. In a year's time we will put up another two exhibitions of “Kinetic Hungarian Sculpture”. This is an old Hungarian tradition and I think that it will be of interest. We found the formula for presenting our “small” exhibitions – Hungart. I think we will keep that name.

One of your most successful activities for many years is the presentation of Hungarian authors and books.
Unfortunately fiction takes an increasingly smaller part in the cultural life of today's generation. At the moment we are doing fewer things that we used to do. This is a shame. But that's why we emphasize on the quality. Especially on the quality of the translation. This year is dedicated to our great poet Attila Jozsef under the patronage of UNESCO. He is very interesting. He was considered a communist poet, a socialist poet which to some extend is true. And now he is seen as a true giant. There are many translations of his works in Bulgarian but unfortunately they are not at the level we would like. We spoke with the director of your cultural institute in Paris, Mr. Kiril Kadiiski, and he agreed to compile an anthology of his verses, which will contain the best old and new translations. We want to be ready with a nice book by the autumn and we hope to have the opportunity to present it in Paris as well.

In 1995–1996 when we saddled ourselves with the task to popularize Hungarian literature in Bulgaria we practically started from zero. Because since 1990 almost nothing had been done. We made a few editions and under my predecessor, Mr. Szondi, many books were published. This activity is really going well.

The other impressive thing is presenting the Hungarian cinema through the film shows in the Institute. And you have some really amazing movies.
I'm glad you think so. But I wish and it's time we reach the general public. The Hungarian movies must be present in the Bulgarian cinemas because with the fall of socialism this died. Now the few films that are shown are oppressive, maybe too pretentious and with less smiles. That's why we have the idea and we will develop it as a week of the Hungarian movie, of the entertaining Hungarian cinema which is not so well known in Bulgaria. Maybe this will happen in the beginning of the summer.

We have good directors and good actors. But they want to make the greatest movie, the most important one and it is usually oppressive. Lately there are more movies fit for the general public and they are the successful ones. Like “Control” which we presented at Sofia Film Fest. In it there is both seriousness and entertainment.

In what area is the cooperation in the field of science?
Our activity connected with the scientific topics is mostly in the field of history. Hungarian historiography along with the Bulgarian one has a lot to say to the public who would be interested to learn more about the events of 1956, the anniversary of which we will soon commemorate. I think they had a huge impact on the history of the whole region. As well as the aftermath. The issues concerning the relations between the proto-Bulgarians and our ancestors are also interesting.

Traditions are also interesting. These days Bulgaria celebrated Easter. How do you celebrate Easter in Hungary?
This is the greatest Christian holiday, everybody knows that. In Hungary it passed earlier. But in both countries the traditions are very similar. Of course, we have Easter eggs. That is why we make an exhibition in which we demonstrate the painting techniques. They aren't much different from what you do. We have guests from Transylvania, Hungarians from Romania who present our tradition. Easter is Easter everywhere. People celebrate, go to church. Over 70% of the Hungarians claim to be religious. If we look at the main rituals – baptizing, wedding, funeral, it's true. But a serious look at religion as faith makes the picture a whole lot different.

From your first stay in our country you have acquired the most important thing in your life – a Bulgarian wife.
I have the good fortune my wife to be Bulgarian. She graduated Polish and Hungarian philology in Budapest. We married when I was a young tutor and then lived for a long time in Bulgaria. Our children, our son Gyorgy (19) and our daughter Anna (17) are students. They speak Bulgarian and love the country. For them Bulgaria is connected with the most beautiful period of life – their childhood. Now they are studying in Budapest. But especially my daughter misses Bulgaria very much. She has matriculation coming and she must prepare there. Otherwise they come very often.