The film presents a historical event that brought real change to medieval Hungary. Created in a motion comics style, the animated film aims to make historical events more engaging and accessible for younger generations.
Golden Bull – Summary
The animated short film Golden Bull tells the story of King Andrew II’s decree issued in 1222, one of the most significant documents in Hungarian history. The film explores the events leading up to the issuance of the Golden Bull and the political and family dynamics within the royal court. The story is narrated from the perspectives of the key figures—King Andrew II, his son Béla, and the dissatisfied nobility—offering insight into their motivations and conflicts.
At the heart of the story are the royal servientes, land-owning soldiers under the king’s authority who still enjoyed certain privileges. Their role is highlighted in the animation, as they formed the backbone of Andrew II’s power, while young Béla and his supporters increasingly opposed the king’s decisions. The ongoing conflict between the nobility and the monarchy culminated in the issuance of the famous Golden Bull, a document that redefined the legal and political relationship between the king and the nobility.
Behind the Scenes – The Role of PixieBug Studio
PixieBug Studio was responsible for the complete animation production, including the screenplay, storyboard, animation, character rigging, digital compositing, and directing the film’s soundtrack. Most of the illustrations were created by Gábor Adonyi, with animation work also contributed by Norbert Radványi.
Our goal was to present the political intrigues of 13th-century Hungary in a visually exciting and entertaining way while maintaining historical accuracy. The dialogue and text reflect the atmosphere of the era, and we carefully developed the characters’ personalities to make the story more immersive and relatable for viewers.
We are incredibly proud of what we have created and grateful to everyone who contributed to bringing the story of the Golden Bull to life.
Educational Materials
To complement the film, educators and historians from the Hungarian Parliament Museum have developed various educational resources to help students better understand the historical context. These materials include worksheets, Kahoot quizzes, and other interactive content designed to enhance classroom learning.
More details about the educational materials and the film can be found on the official website of the Hungarian Parliament Museum, providing valuable resources for both students and teachers.
Produced by Országgyűlés Hivatala (Országház Filmműhely Youtube channel), (2022)
