Resume
My name is Klaudia Kovács and I am American and European Film & Theater Director and Oscar contender. I have garnered a total of 37 awards. I'm known for my movie, Torn from the Flag, an eight-time-award-winning film that participated in the Academy Awards in the "Best Documentary" category, was invited by five Academy Award-qualifying festivals, and to be presented to the United States Congress. Also, I'm listed in the Temporary Performance Almanac 2015, Hungarian Film Lexicon, Lexicon of Hungarian Theater Artists Abroad, American Hungarian Portrait Gallery, and Hungarian America. As a dual citizen, I bring together European sensibilities and American business savvy. Currently I reside in Hollywood, California and Hungary, and work worldwide.
FILM EXPERIENCE:
Brown Paper Bag, Hollywood, CA: Director/Producer/Writer of a two-time award-winning short fiction about an endearing elderly man in California who finds that cream rises to the top.
LA Valley, Hollywood, CA: Director of a short film advocating the importance and joy of college education and learning for younger and mature students alike.
Happy Birthday!, Hollywood, CA and Rome, Italy: Writer, Director, and Producer of English and Italian language, comic short of an internationally coordinated cinematic birthday “choir”.
Emerald, Texas, Hollywood, CA and Oklahoma City, OK: Director’s Creative Consultant of award-winning feature-length, independent film about a young orphan girl in search of a miracle. She decides to head for Emerald, Texas, and along the way she finds friends, strength, and empowerment within.
Justified, Episode #405, Hollywood, CA: Shadow Director for Academy Award-winning Director, Peter Werner, of Justified, a two-time Primetime-Emmy-award-winning American television drama.
Touché: A Blind Fencer's Story, Hollywood, CA and Oklahoma City, OK: Second-Unit Director of four-time-award-winning feature-length documentary about a young woman’s struggle with her loss of eyesight and how the sport of fencing gave her the confidence to move forward with her life.
Torn from the Flag, Hollywood, CA: Director/Producer/Writer of feature-length, 1.7 million dollar budget, eight-time-award-winning documentary. Created with cinematographers Oscar-winning Vilmos Zsigmond and multi-award-winning Laszlo Kovacs. The film is about the international decline of communism, the Cold War era (1945–1991), and the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and Freedom Fight with the following notables: Mikhail Gorbachev, Henry Kissinger, Otto von Habsburg, and George Vassiliou. Shot on HD in the U.S.A., Italy, Russia, and Hungary. The film has been invited to 20 festivals; it also participated in the 2009 Oscar competition in the “Best Documentary Feature” category. It was presented to the United States Congress and was entered into the Congressional Record. As a filmmaker, I created a community of 20,000 people, gathered and coordinated 2,000 investors, donors, and in-kind donors for the North American Hungarian community’s largest project ever. According to several critics and historians Torn from the Flag is the “best documentary” ever made about this topic.
MAOV, LLC, Los Angeles, CA: Second Assistant Director of a television pilot, entitled The Metaphysical Adventures of Verne, directed by Michael Simon, starring Verne Troyer and Pauly Shore.
Panic Nation, Hollywood, CA and Oklahoma City, OK: Co-Producer of five-time-award-winning, feature-length documentary. It is an intense look at how state sponsored immigration laws are taking hold of the USA. The movie features former White House cabinet member Henry Cisneros, two-time Harvard graduate and syndicated CNN columnist Ruben Navarrette Jr., multi-award-winning writer of "Sesame Street" Luis Santeiro, and multi-award-winning actor Esai Morales.
Mancs Productions, Budapest, Hungary: Producer of a 60-minute, educational television film about a rescue dog with an exceptionally sensitive, molecular smell.
Red Bull Air Race, Budapest, Hungary: Associate Producer of a 30 minute documentary introducing the birth of a new sport and the world’s twelve best pilots.
Gardening, Budapest, Hungary: Associate Producer of monthly how-to television show or Satelit TV. The esthetic and lifestyle program consisted of 12 episodes of 30 minute segments.
Gems, Torrance, CA: Assistant Producer of a short that was based on an original script, produced and shot as a co-production with Torrance Cable Television about a gem smuggler who brings stolen gems into the United States and is double crossed.
THEATER EXPERIENCE:
Extremities, The Sidewalk Studio Theater – Burbank, CA: Director of a timely drama about a young woman and her fascinating journey of gaining her power back after an attempted assault by a married man with three children. As the story unfolds, her roommates—a rape-victim and social worker—view the hard-to-prove incident differently yet aid their friend’s voyage of healing in ways she didn’t expect…
Snowangel, Horseshoe Theater, Valley Glenn, CA: Director of a deep, dramatic, yet beautiful play about an encounter of a man (customer) and a woman (prostitute). They both lost their loves and yearn to find love again perhaps with each other... The drama was written by Lewis John Carlino whose career included an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and multiple nominations by the Writers Guild of America.
Naomi in the Living Room, Blackbox Theater, Valley Glenn, CA: Director of an award-winning production of Christopher Durang's fast-paced and outrageous tour-de-force comedy about a mini family union with lots of unexpected requests and one major surprise! Winner of Outstanding Achievement in Acting by Female Actor.
A Lie of the Mind, Horseshoe Theater, Valley Glenn, CA: Director of a Sam Shepard play that won a Drama Desk Award and was hailed as a “masterpiece” by the New York Times. The beautiful drama is about two families tied by marriage, as well as about love, dysfunction, and search for meaning and unity. Winner of Outstanding Achievement in Acting by Male Actor, Lighting Design, and Sound Design.
Alexander the Great, Lonny Chapman Theater, 1st Annual One Act Play Festival, North Hollywood, CA: Director of one of the Nine Winning One-Acts about a King of the Ancient Greek Kingdom of Macedonia who was one of the greatest conquerors and tactical minds of all time.
Calling America: Don’t Hang Up!!, United Solo Theater Festival, New York, NY: Director of a 90-minute, sold-out one-woman show with 50 characters about society and the political climate of the United States. The play was selected by and performed at the world’s largest theater event of individual performers at Theater Row in the Broadway District.
Bill & Coo, Annual Playwright's Festival, Tehachapi, CA: Director of a comedy about a former couple whose relationship ended after the man cleared out their bank account and disappeared. Winner of the Playwright Contest.
The Insanity of Mary Girard, Raw Space at Theater M, New York Spotlight On Festival, New York, NY: Actor (Mary Girard) in a dramatic play by Ira Levin about a woman who was committed to an asylum and by the end grown into her diagnosis. Winner of Best Ensemble Cast Award.
Midnight Video, John Raitt Theater, Hollywood, CA: Producer of a futuristic, two-act play about a video shoot set in a shabby, one-room apartment in a bad part of town...
Shoeboxes, Courtyard Playhouse, Palos Verdes, CA: Producer of an original play about a daughter's emotional journey who discovers her deceased mother's past when she goes through her shoeboxes full of memorabilia.
Veronica's Room, Redondo Beach Theater, Redondo Beach, CA: Actor (Veronica) in a thriller by Ira Levin about a middle-aged Irish couple. They abduct a young woman who resembles someone no longer alive.
The Comedy of Errors, Los Angeles Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival, Thousand Oaks, CA: Actor (Courtesan) in William Shakespeare's play about two sets of identical twins that were accidentally separated at birth. Winner of REP Award for Excellence in Production.
Don't Dress for Dinner, The Palos Verdes Players, Torrance, CA: Actor (Suzanne) in a naughty farce with a lot of confusion and misunderstandings...
Maids, The Cellar Theater (Pinceszinhaz), Budapest, Hungary: Actor (Claire) in Jean Genet's drama about two French housemaids who construct sadomasochistic rituals when their madam is away.
The Madman and the Nun, Improv Theater, Hollywood, CA: Actor (Paphnutius) in the "Polish Beckett," Stanislaw Ignacy Witkiewicz's absurd play that is staged in an asylum showcasing bureaucrats, scientists, and religious authorities.
Various International Theaters, Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY; Budapest, Hungary: Member/Director/Actor of various award-winning theater troupes in Europe and the United States. Additional experience in the areas of producing, crowdfunding, fundraising, marketing, public relations, social media, online presence, and theater festivals.
SKILLS: I'm fluent in English and Hungarian, and have basic knowledge of German. I have both, US and EU passports; and I can be employed in the USA and EU countries.
AWARDS & ACCOLADES:
Cannes International Cell Phone Cinema Showcase - Best Director (Brown Paper Bag)
City of Los Angeles - Certificate of Celebration for Contribution to Cinema, Art and Culture (Panic Nation)
Republic of Hungary - Hero of the Freedom Fight Award (Torn from the Flag)
AFI (American Film Institute) FEST Milestone Selection (Torn from the Flag)
Panavision’s Young Filmmaker's Program (Torn from the Flag)
Technicolor Sponsorship (Torn from the Flag)
Alliance of Women Directors’ Television Shadowing Program
CINE Eagle Award - Best Independent Documentary (Torn from the Flag)
CINE Eagle Award - Best Independent Documentary (Panic Nation)
Beverly Hills Hi-Def Film Festival - First place (Torn from the Flag)
Broadway International Film Festival - Best Documentary (Panic Nation)
Madrid International Film Festival - Best Documentary Short (Touche: A Blind Fencer’s Story)
Mexico International Film Festival - Golden Palm Award for Feature-Length Documentary (Panic Nation)
Nevada Film Festival - Gold Reel Award - Docu Film Competition (Touche: A Blind Fencer’s Story)
Tiburon International Film Festival - Golden Reel Award (Torn from the Flag)
Minneapolis/ St. Paul International Film Festival - Best of the Fest Award (Torn from the Flag)
Seattle True Independent Film Festival - Best Documentary Feature - 2nd Place (Touche: A Blind Fencer’s Story)
Artisan Festival International Peace Initiative Cannes - Jury’s Special Mention (Brown Paper Bag)
Noches de Oklahoma - Special Recognition by the Latino Community (Panic Nation)
New York Spotlight On Festival Award - Best Ensemble Cast (The Insanity of Mary Girard)
Ventura County Reporter - REP Award for Excellence in Production (The Comedy of Errors)
Indianapolis International Film Festival - Audience Award - Best Documentary - 3rd Place (Torn from the Flag)
Valley Collegiate Players - Outstanding Achievement in Acting by a Male Actor (A Lie of the Mind)
Valley Collegiate Players - Outstanding Achievement in Acting by a Female Actor (Naomi in the Living Room)
Valley Collegiate Players - Outstanding Achievement in Lighting (A Lie of the Mind)
Valley Collegiate Players - Outstanding Achievement in Sound (A Lie of the Mind)
DocUtah International Documentary Film Festival - Audience Favorite Top Ten Award (Panic Nation)
BeeKay Theater Annual Playwright's Festival - Golden Apple Award (Bill & Coo)
Slow Film International Film Festival - Special Prize of the City of Eger (Torn from the Flag)
Slow Film International Film Festival - Special Prize of Agria Television (Torn from the Flag)
Slow Film International Film Festival - Festival’s Special Award (Torn from the Flag)
Hungarian Freedom Fighters World Federation - Certificate of Recognition (Torn from the Flag)
International Technology Institute - Memorial Medal (Torn from the Flag)
Corvina Cultural Circle - Certificate of Recognition
Thalia Studios - Certificate of Recognition - 20 Year Anniversary (Gloria Victis)
Thalia Studios - Certificate of Recognition - 10 Year Anniversary (Gloria Victis)
Torrance Cable Television - Best Short Nomination (Gems)
FILM REVIEWS:
"A documentary thriller. Superb." — Chuck Wilson, LA Weekly
"Easily the best documentary film on the 1956 Hungarian revolution." — István Deák, Seth Low Professor Emeritus of History, Columbia University
"A definitive account. The most comprehensive chronicle of the Hungarian uprising yet caught on film. The film never bogs down. A lively piece of history, put together with a good deal of technical skill as well as unmistakable passion." — Stephen Farber, The Hollywood Reporter
"This was the most powerful and important film experience of my life. Klaudia Kovács' work in tracking down all those marvelous witnesses, selecting the most illuminating and combustible quotes was unprecedented in documentary filmmaking." — Barry Farber, Talk Radio Network
"A quality production satisfying the highest expectations and demands. It chains you to your seat and helps us understand what freedom truly means." — Leslie Eloed, American Hungarian Journal
"I found the film to be extremely well done and informative. I think it would be a great addition to any history curriculum as a way of truly understanding the history of 20th century Europe and Hungary. It gives insight into current problems and makes students think about ways we can better understand the world." — Paul Fouhy, Teacher, Auburn Mountainview, Auburn, WA
"Every high school should use this wonderfully produced film in their curriculum." — Dr. Tas Szebedy, President of the National High School Association, Budapest, Hungary
THEATER REVIEWS:
“A wonderful tale of deceit. The director created a bit of mystery with thrills and chills for all… Nudity was tastefully done yet added just the right amount of creepiness to the play. Well done.” — The LA Webb
”A strong director drew great performances... Attention paid to details…” — Stage Pages
"Excellent choices. A very talented director." — Lanie Robertson, Playwright
Convincing performances; well directed." — America Oggi
“Truly interesting and exciting.” — The Foreigner Artist
"Flawless performance." — Easy Reader
“Orwelian in thought ... well cast ... thoughtfully directed. It could have gone in a direction full of clichéd and tired contrivance but didn’t; thank you.” — The LA Webb
Exceptionally talented young actress, Klaudia Kovács, performed with deep empathy. Her performance was unforgettable" — American Hungarian News
"The name for whom the ovation would not stop: Klaudia Kovács." — Hungarian Californian
"There is a magic spell cast by a stunning courtesan, Klaudia Kovács, adding further spice." — The Star
"Kovács is well-cast as Bernard's trashy and peevish paramour." — Daily Breeze
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:
Alliance of Women Directors
Film Independent
International Documentary Association
Screen Actors Guild of America – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)
EDUCATION:
Film & Theater Studies – Los Angeles Valley College, Valley Glen, CA
Pedagogy – ELTE – Eötvös Loránd University’s Teacher’s College, Budapest, Hungary
Shakespeare Workshop - Lynn Redgrave, Beverly Hills, CA
Documentary Filmmaking – Film Independent & Lisa Leeman, UCS, Los Angeles, CA
Scene Study - Larry Moss Studios, Santa Monica, CA
Film Technique – M.K. Lewis Workshops, Santa Monica, CA
Documentaries & the Oscars – International Documentary Association / Writer’s Guild of America, Los Angeles, CA
Personal Branding / Image Definition – Sam Christensen Studios, North Hollywood, CA
Performance Art – Pinceszínház (Cellar Theater), Budapest, Hungary
If you’d like to be invited to my next premiere, find out what my next artistic venture is, or want to discuss a project you'd like me to direct, enter your information below: