Son of the White Mare

Marcell Jankovics  |  86 min  |  Hungary  |  1981  |  Animated Fantasy Adventure  |  12

A cosmic warrior born from the spirit of a horse sets out on a wild mythic quest through glowing dreamscapes, battling monsters and uncovering ancient secrets. Part folk tale, part fever dream, Son of the White Mare is a psychedelic fantasy epic bursting with astonishing colours, shapeshifting worlds, and hypnotic 80s Eastern European animation.

The story follows Treeshaker, the superhuman son of a celestial white mare, as he ventures into the underworld to rescue three princesses from an evil dragon and restore balance to a world thrown into chaos. Drawing on Hungarian mythology and folklore, the film unfolds like a surreal fairytale told through colourful light, full of impossible architecture, heroic trials, and otherworldly creatures.

Directed by Hungarian animation legend Marcell Jankovics, Son of the White Mare was first released in 1981 and long remained a hidden gem outside Eastern Europe. Over the decades, it’s gained cult status for its radical visual style, poetic storytelling, and intricate symbolism. Recently restored in 4K, the film has been reintroduced to global audiences as a singular piece of animated cinema, one that feels as bold and visionary today as it did over forty years ago. A must-see for fans of Fantastic Planet, Yellow Submarine, or Princess Mononoke.

In Hungarian with English Subtitles

Before the main feature, we’ll be showcasing “Date Fright”, a short animated film created by The Bone Shack, a collective of Scottish animators and artists making groovy and spooky short films.

Doors: 6.30pm

Pre-screening: 6.45pm

Main Screening: 7.00pm