When Donald Trump announced he would meet Vladimir Putin in Budapest for another summit on Ukraine, Viktor Orbán hailed Hungary as “the only place in Europe” where such a meeting could take place.

A former ally of the authoritarian prime minister is leading in the polls as an election with huge implications for Europe and the war in Ukraine looms.

As Hungary took center stage as country of honor at this year's International Classic Film Market (MIFC) in Lyon, the spotlight fell on an institution that tells a remarkable story of cultural resurrection.