Today we’re excited to be connecting with Dora Endre again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.
Dora, thanks for joining us again. Just to level set a bit for folks who may have missed our last interview together, can you briefly introduce yourself?
It’s great to be back! I’m a filmmaker, writer, and stage director with a passion for storytelling, exploring cultures and the quirks of the human experience. So far, my journey has taken me from Hungary to Italy to the U.S., and I’ve had the chance to work across film, theatre, and video.
I guess you could say I’m inherently curious. Whether I’m traveling to new places, telling a story, or pushing myself to grow, I believe there’s always something exciting around the corner. Even in the seemingly mundane details. Over the years, I’ve learned how to keep my eye on the future, but not lose sight of the grounding moments the present holds. I’d say that’s one of my biggest achievements (Laughs) —learning to appreciate the little things, even if it’s just a quiet moment in an old movie theatre or in a beautiful church.
As a writer-director-producer, I’ve worked on a wide range of projects, from Off-Broadway shows, musicals, and devised theatre to promotional videos, music videos, and short films. The variety keeps me on my toes and constantly learning, which is what makes it all so exciting! At the core of everything I do is storytelling— I’m always exploring what makes us human. What drives us, what challenges us, what hurts us and how we connect with one another through love, joy, and tolerance.
Great, so let’s jump into an update on what you have been up to since we last spoke. What can you share with us?
Oh, where do I even begin? Since we last spoke, it’s been a bit of a creative roller coaster—some big highs, a few unexpected twists, and definitely moments where I found myself holding on tight, wondering, “Why did I sign up for this ride?” (Laughs)
This past year, I’ve been keeping busy with a variety of projects. For instance, making an image video for a neo-baroque hotel, directing the summer spot for Rossmann, working with UNICEF. I’ve also been pushing myself with short-form storytelling, which is a fun challenge—sometimes I get just 30 seconds to tell a story, evoke specific feelings or create a strong atmosphere, and that’s a thrilling exercise in creativity. Communicating with different customers and helping their project come to life are inspiring too.
Furthermore, I’ve just finished editing a campaign video about isolation. The black-and-white project deals with themes like disconnect, screen-induced anxiety, and the peculiar way many of us get lost in bubbles of their own. The danger living like this bears with.
Alongside my continued contributions to magazines, by writing articles, interviews and reviews, I have also taken on some new roles. I started producing videos and documentaries for Arbor, and leading professional acting workshops in multiple cities, most recently in Budapest and Weimar.
Currently, there are quite a few other film- and video projects of mine far down the road of pre-production, which is very exciting.
These are such wild and difficult times on a global scale, so a big shoutout to all my fellow creative professionals hanging in there. Your beautiful work, drive and empathy contributes greatly to the healing our world needs right now. Always keep on going!
We also want to give folks a chance to get to know you a bit better so we’ve prepared a fun lightning round of questions. Ready?
- Favorite Movie: No way that I could pick one. Or two. Or three. Or twenty. So I am just going to mention one that is close to my heart and identity: Karoly Makk’s Love (1971).
- Favorite Book: The Tragedy of Man by Imre Madach
- Favorite TV Show: A Bit of Fry and Laurie and This Is Going to Hurt
- Favorite Band or Artist: Best “Boy Band”: Monty Python but when it comes to music-music, it’s got to be: Quimby.
- Sweet or Savory: Savory
- Mountains or Beach: Mountains
- Favorite Sport (to watch): Formula 1
- Favorite Sport (to play): Soccer
- Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): I was in dance groups (contemporary, hip-hop) and frequently played soccer with friends.
- As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: So many things! Lawyer, dancer, advertising sales agent (specific, eh?), writer, and even a witch!
- French Fries or Onion Rings: Onion Rings
- Chuck Rhodes or Bobby Axelrod: I haven’t seen the show at all. But I think both Paul Giamatti and Damian Lewis are brilliant actors.
- Favorite Cartoon growing up: The Mézga Family and Frakk (the Cats’ Nightmare)
- Favorite Childhood movie: I loved the Italian series; Fantaghirò, Cuarón’s A Little Princess, and of course; Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.
- Favorite Breakfast Food: French Toast or Fried Eggs
When you look back on your life, what are three things you expect to be proud of?
First, I would say I’m proud of the work I am doing to serve through storytelling—whether it is making videos and films, directing shows, writing an article, highlighting important causes and interviewing filmmakers about powerful projects (for instance, A Good Day Will Come by Amir Zargara).
It means a lot to me to amplify the voices of those who are doing hard and meaningful work. Working on videos for NGOs like the Eagle Academy Foundation or JDJ has been very rewarding too. I have always felt those social and charity workers doing their daily best for tiny wages, pushing for change – whether it is for the sake of underrepresented communities or health care – should be today’s real influencers. Not the average Instagram personalities and models.
Second, I’m proud to believe in the limitless potential of people. I am a big fan of Sir John Whitmore’s words: “We must see people in terms of their future potential, not their past performance.” Everyone stumbles, makes mistakes, and falls short sometimes, but the real courage is owning up to them and growing from them. I genuinely believe that we all have the capacity for strength and change, even at times we—or others—don’t see it.
And third, well, I’m not sure about that one yet. Maybe it is still in the making, and is for the future. For now I am happy that I have been always taking brave steps, even when it felt scary and took some mustering up to. Diving into a big project headfirst, pushing through my anxiety, or having an uncomfortable and frank conversation. I try to stay true to myself and do what seems right, even when it’s difficult, or when it requires much vulnerability—because let’s face it: being open is not always the easiest thing to do.
Image Credits
Daniel C. Ribalta & Dora Endre
