Edward and Judy invited Craig, his wife Barbara, and me to their place for an authentic Hungarian dinner. It was a beautiful gesture, and the evening was delightful.

We’ve been working on Freedom Dance since Summer 2004 and never really socialized this way, just the five of us, a quiet evening among established friends. I think it’s great when moviemakers and their subjects get a long so amiably. Makes the production less bumpy.

Judy made chicken paprika and for dessert, homemade chocolate-dipped fruit and Hungarian-style cherry pie. It was all delicious, made more so by the engaging company and easy-going conversation. “You know all about us,” Edward said to Craig, Barbara and I at the dinner table. “Let’s learn about you for a change.” (Classic documentary humor. The subjects reveal and share so much for the filmmaker, who for the most part usually remains anonymous. We are very lucky to have the open and congenial relationship that we do with our subjects. The project itself benefits so much from it.)

Tired. Off to bed.
~Steven