Freedom Dance: A Sneak Peek at a Serious Cartoon
by Meredith Price
Baltimore Magazine, January 2006

“There is a stereotype that cartoons are only for kids, and that they’re supposed to be funny, but that’s not true,â€? award-winning filmmaker and Baltimore-based cartoonist Steven Fischer says. In collaboration with well-known animators Craig Herron and Edward Hilbert, Fischer plans to prove it to audiences at the world premiere exhibit of their documentary-in-progress, Freedom Dance at the Norman and Sarah Brown Art Gallery from January 9 – February 10.

“A dramatic story can be told just as effectively through animation as it can by live action,� Fischer explains, and that’s what the team aims to do in this 30-minute experimental animated/live action documentary.

The unique, character-driven film tells the story of a young cartoonist, Edward Hilbert, who escaped the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 with his wife, Judy. He immigrated to America and lived to retell his story with fellow animators, in his own medium. Inspired by a sketchbook of cartoons that Hilbert kept as a diary while waiting on a U.S. visa in Vienna for two months, the film brings these cartoons to life using an animation technique similar to claymation.

While the backdrop of the story is the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, Fischer says Freedom Dance is not about the revolution, but about two people running for their lives and a dream: to gain the freedom that Americans have, simply by being born here.

The documentary, set for release in October 2006, will include animated clips mixed with photos, artifacts, authentic sound recordings, stock footage of the Hungarian Revolution, and recorded interviews of Hilbert and his wife.

In anticipation of the film (set to be released in time for the 50th anniversary of the Hungarian Uprising), the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore has arranged a month-long exhibit of Mr. Hilbert’s original cartoons, along with sample footage of the documentary. Original artwork will be for sale as a means of raising finishing funds for the documentary.

On January 22, the Hungarian Ambassador Andras Simonyi, as well as Karoly Dan, the Cultural Attache from Hungary, will speak on behalf of the exhibit and the film at eh JCC from 3-5pm. There will also be an opportunity to meet the filmmakers. 5700 Park Heights Avenue 410-542-4900.