PLACES HALF EMPTY
90min Feature Film
Director: Dorka Vermes
Writer: Sára Törley Havas
Executive Producer: Béla Tarr
Producer: Botond Lelkes
Producer: Balogh Evelyn
Juli (26), an anxious and introverted woman, falls in love with the free-spirited Noá (32), and finds herself in a lesbian relationship for the first time. Although both are part of Budapest's progressive artistic community, Juli's family disapproves, shattering her belief in their progressive values. Torn between loyalty to her family and her love for Noá, Juli begins leading a double life, navigating a complex web of lies that erodes her sense of self.
The tension peaks as their housing situation spirals at a time of a growing housing crisis. Juli's parents offer to buy her an apartment, but this "gift" forces her to confront her divided loyalties. Though she promises Noá they'll move in together, Juli's growing uncertainty strains their bond. Noá's patience waver as dishonesty and instability take their toll, and distrust begins to unravel the relationship.
Through fragmented, time-jumping scenes, the film explores Juli's journey through shifting living spaces—from the family house to Noá's apartment, a staged "fake flat" for her parents, and finally, the new apartment she convinces herself represents independence. Ultimately, Juli's choices reflect a deeper entanglement in the very systems she sought to escape, leaving her caught between conformity and freedom.
Our feature film project Places Half Empty, currently in development, has been officially selected for the CineLink Co-Production Market at the Sarajevo Film Festival.
Directed by Dorka Vermes and executive produced by Béla Tarr, the film explores contemporary social tensions through a distinctly personal and stylistically bold lens.
Being selected for CineLink not only offers the opportunity to present the project to international producers, sales agents, funders, and festival programmers, but also allows us to share our new wave mindset toward filmmaking — one that values experimentation, authenticity, and collaboration — with potential international partners.
With our project Places Half Empty, currently in the development phase, our team participated in the CineLink Development Workshop held in Slano, Croatia, as part of the Sarajevo Film Festival's industry program.
This early-stage workshop focused on script development and project strategy, offering tailored mentorship and group consultations with international industry professionals. The Slano workshop provided valuable support in refining the artistic vision of Places Half Empty and served as a first step in building regional and international partnerships for the project.
