INTERVIEW with József Gallai

How long have you been doing movies? How did you decide to start making movies?
After watching M. Night Shyamalan's Lady in the Water in 2008, I decided I wanted to make films. I filmed with friends for a few years and since 2015, I have been making films in English language specifically for the international market.

Why did you do this project?

I am interested in all sorts of urban legends and myths and I have seen that the legend of the black-eyed children has not been explored in many films. Maybe two, if I saw it right. Therefore, I thought there was more to tell about these mysterious children.

Was it self-funded or did you get budget/producers/investors?

The budget was raised from a successful crowdfunding campaign and the contribution of investors.

How long did it take from the initial idea to being able to release?

I put down the first letters of the script at the end of 2023, the film was finished at the end of February 2025, and if everything is right, it will be released in late summer or early autumn, so that's a good year and a half to go.

Are you happy with the result?

Absolutely, everyone gave their maximum.

What phase is this project in right now? Are you in the initial phase of sending it to festivals, middle phase or finishing the circuit?

It started its festival tour in the spring, and it has already been invited to a few festivals, so we are still waiting to see the results, but we are optimistic.

Could you tell us which platforms you use to submit your entries to festivals? Apart from Filmfreeway, do you use any other alternative platforms?

Filmfreeway works perfectly for me, so that is what I use. Sometimes I submit the film directly on the festival website.

Normally, filmmakers use many references, favorite directors, favorite movies, etc. Were you inspired by any director or film? If so, tell us your references.

I would probably mention Jordan Graham's 2019 film, Sator. A film with a very special atmosphere, frightening and depressing at the same time. I loved it.

Your favorite movie?

There are many, but let's say Coherence, Cloud Atlas and The Sixth Sense.

Favorite series?

Dark and Chernobyl.

Do you see yourself making movies in 5 years? Where do you see yourself?

I can feel the years behind me, but I hope I will still be there.

Do you have any other project in mind?

I have just finished another film called The Final Frame co-written by Roy McClurg, starring Robert LaSardo and Andrew Divoff and we will be making a sequel to The Black-Eyed Children in the fall, if all goes well.

Your best experience in a movie theater?

I have a serious fear of heights and I watched Robert Zemeckis' The Walk in 3D at the cinema. I squeezed the armrest as hard as I could; it will always be an experience, although not the best. Last time I saw Presence, I really liked it.