LIAF 2024: Pelikan Blue - FEATURE

Event information

In 1990’s Hungary, travel was finally possible but unaffordable. By forging international train tickets, three young men provide the opportunity for a whole generation to experience the outside world. With the fall of the Iron Curtain, Hungary’s borders suddenly open up. Everyone wants to travel to Western Europe – young people in particular – but the price of a train ticket is prohibitive. What good is freedom if you can’t afford it?

Ákos, Petya and Laci discover a simple method of using household detergents to dissolve Pelikan‘s Blue carbon ink, allowing them to forge train tickets to any destination. Over time, they become professional and infamous forgery artists. For a long time, everything goes along smoothly, but when the police start an investigation, the friends discover that freedom comes at a price.

Pelikan Blue is the type of film that leaves a permanent smile on the viewer’s face. It has the power to make us believe that, not that long ago, the world was a far better place.

This film is screening as part of the 2024 London International Animation Festival, a 10 day event across London and online. Please visit https://liaf.org.uk/ for the full festival details and schedule