Privatization, Irish pub, mortgage, auction. Who would guess we're talking about a synagogue in Kõszeg, a small town in Hungary?
The synagogue is in the center of town. Officially under landmark protection, it's falling apart; the walls are rotting. The Cultural Heritage professionals throw up their hands and hope for the best. Meanwhile, the property owners wait for their investment to pay off. The Jewish community in a neighboring town joins the local government in setting up a foundation. A married couple rolls up their sleeves and attempts to save the building.
In presenting the fate of this 150-year old building, the documentary Synagogue For Sale shines a critical light on Hungary's recent history.
"For a private owner, this building won't be worth anything until it collapses."
"We should be clear about this: investing in the synagogue is a bad business decision."
"I love this building. I want to do something about it."
"No normal person would buy a synagogue, because he wouldn't know what to do with it."
chritics
Datas
Director - cinematographer: Zsuzsanna Gellér-Varga
Interviews: Ilona Gaal, Bori Kriza
Editor: László Hargittai
Producer - composer: Balázs Wizner
Length: 47 min.
Year of Production: 2006
