The struggle started on 23rd Oct, went on till 10th Nov, and it was the first time since World War II that the USSR felt threatened. Although they initially agreed to negotiate, the Soviets changed their stance and invaded Hungary. Within a mere six days the revolt was ruthlessly put down. Over 2500 Hungarians died, more than 200,000 became refugees, and tens of thousands were arrested. But even though the uprising failed, its voice reverberated around the world and became the beginning of the end of the Soviet Union. The revolution was however a topic that could not be openly discussed until the fall of the HPR in 1989.
“Torn from the Flag” (A lyukas zászló, 2007) is a documentary about the decline of the Soviet Union, and the importance of the Hungarian Uprising, it being the first nail. It premièred at the American Film Institute's film festival, where it was given a standing ovation. The film has been invited to 20 festivals, and has won eight awards. It was also nominated at the 2009 Academy Awards in the Best Documentary