PFX, an award-winning visual effects studio with operations across Central Europe, has unveiled its latest VFX breakdown for The Hungarian Dressmaker. Recently selected by the Slovak Film Academy as Slovakia’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars, the film highlights PFX’s exceptional ability to craft visually stunning and historically accurate effects.
Set in Bratislava during the interwar period, the film captures the city’s rich multicultural atmosphere, shaped by Slovak, Hungarian, Czech, and German influences. PFX’s team of 40 talented artists from the Czech Republic and Slovakia worked on over 120 shots and created more than 40 assets, blending artistry and technology to bring this historical drama to life.
Key elements of their work included recreating 1940s streets, buildings, and iconic locations such as Michael’s Gate, which were meticulously modeled using historical photographs. Decorative elements like flags and The Hlinka Guard uniforms were also reproduced with exceptional attention to detail, ensuring a high level of historical accuracy. One of the most challenging sequences was an extensive fire scene, which featured shots exceeding 600 frames, enhanced with realistic smoke and fire simulations to heighten the drama.
The film also required complex crowd simulations and set extensions of a historical village, adding depth to the storytelling. The project, including color grading, was completed within just three months, showcasing the seamless collaboration between PFX’s Czech and Slovak teams. These teams participated in all stages of production, demonstrating their efficiency and expertise in managing demanding timelines.
“The recreation of 1940s streets, buildings, and decorative elements, such as flags and The Hlinka Guard uniforms, was a key part of our work,” said VFX Supervisor Tibor Meliš. “We paid special attention to every detail to ensure historical accuracy,” he added.
PFX’s work on The Hungarian Dressmaker reflects the studio’s ability to blend creativity and experience to deliver world-class visual effects. With a team of 250 skilled artists and offices in Prague, Bratislava, Krakow, and Berlin, the studio offers filmmakers a wide range of services, including assistance with tax incentives to enhance project feasibility in the regions they serve.
To explore the artistry behind the visual effects, check out the VFX breakdown
The Hungarian Dressmaker
Director: Iveta Grofova
Producer: Zuzana Mistríková, Ondřej Trojan
DOP: Martin Strba
PFX Team
VFX Supervisor: Tibor Meliš
VFX and Post-production Producer: Tomáš Srovnal
Grading: Tomáš Chudomel
About PFX
PFX is a full-service post-production studio operating across the Czech Republic, Slovakia,
Poland, and Germany. With over 250 talented artists, we have provided world-class services
to film, TV, animation, and commercial creators for over a decade. Alongside creative
services, we assist with tax incentives in our countries of operation, enhancing project
viability. We collaborate on projects in development or currently in production. Infusing every
collaboration with creativity and innovation, to deliver the best possible results.
