The aim of the Friss Stars program is to draw attention to emerging actors who already possess a distinctive presence in theatre and film, and whose careers may become defining in the coming years.
“We strive to support Hungarian film talents in many ways, such as through pitch forums, screenwriting mentorship, and workshops, but the Friss Stars program is perhaps the most special among them. Actors are arguably the most vulnerable participants in the profession: while they quite literally put their faces on display, they receive very little guidance or support in how to build their careers or develop themselves within the context of contemporary Hungarian cinema, where attractive role opportunities are limited. With Friss Stars, we aim to help address this, while also introducing two brilliant talents to a wider audience—this year, Vince Juhász and Irma Major,” said Dániel Deák, festival director and founder of Friss Hús.
Irma Major graduated from the University of Theatre and Film Arts in Sándor Zsótér’s class. During her university years, she performed in productions such as The Threepenny Opera at the Weöres Sándor Theatre, as well as in productions at the Radnóti Theatre and the Fészek Artists’ Club. Her film work includes both short films and feature roles. She also performs in the award-winning Freeszfe Association production Micromacho, a two-character play she shares with Vince Juhász.
“I noticed in Irma, from the very first casting moment, the subtlety I was looking for in her character—she is a very strong film actress with a presence made for the screen. With a single blink, she can express a complexity that others can only achieve through larger gestures, and she has a perfect sense of what is needed in the smallest moments. We quickly found our rhythm during the shoot, and her presence greatly enhanced the atmosphere on set,” said director Eszter Kisházy about working with the actress.
Vince Juhász also graduated from the University of Theatre and Film Arts, likewise in Sándor Zsótér’s class. His acting career began in childhood: he studied in a drama program in Abaújszántó, then gained experience in amateur theatre groups and as a reciter. During his university years, he performed in several theatres in Budapest and across the country, including the Radnóti Theatre, Szkéné Theatre, and the Latinovits Theatre in Budaörs. After graduating, he became a member of the Budaörs company. He can currently be seen in productions such as All About My Mother, The Carrot King, Cyrano de Bergerac, Candles of Truth, The Drunks, Waiting for Godot, h.ml.t, Liliom, and Emil and the Detectives. “Vince has a remarkable ability to capture life. He joked around, drove me to the shooting location in his Alfa Romeo, built the set with me, and by the time we set up the camera, he had already transported the crew back to the mafia world of the 1990s,” recalled film director Gábor Varga.
The Friss Stars can also be met in person by the festival audience: discussions and related events offer insight into their early career experiences. At the special event titled Unnatural Selection: The Art of Casting, audiences can see them at work live: under the guidance of actress and casting director Kata Bartsch, Irma Major and Vince Juhász will recreate a casting situation based on scenes from Friss Pitch finalists. In the second part of the program, Eszter Lányi, training director of the National Film Institute (NFI), will speak with the participants about the challenges of starting out, the specifics of the profession, and the everyday realities of acting. The event will take place on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Metropolis Hall of Puskin Cinema.
About the Friss Stars Program
Launched in 2022, Friss Stars is currently a unique initiative: it specifically focuses on emerging film actors. Among Hungarian festivals, Friss Hús introduces the largest number of young Hungarian actors.
Previous Friss Stars include Orsolya Bukovszky and Emília Pigler (2025), Dorottya Gellért and Raul Ionescu (2024), Zsófia Tóth and Atanáz Babinchak (2023), as well as Katica Nagy and Gergely Váradi (2022).
The program not only offers an opportunity for introduction but also provides practical support: it helps selected actors navigate professional questions at the beginning of their careers and creates a forum for open discussions about the challenges of being an actor.
