Portuges honored by Hungarian government
Hungary’s Ministry of Culture and Education last last month honored Catherine Portuges, professor of Comparative Literature in the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, for her contributions on behalf of the country’s cinema and for enriching cultural relations between Hungary and other nations.
In recognition of her work, Portuges was presented the Pro Cultura Hungarica Medal, Hungary’s highest cultural honor for a non-Hungarian. The medal was awarded Oct. 31 in London by Borbála Czakó, Hungary’s ambassador to the United Kingdom.
“As we observe the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, I applaud the Hungarian ministry of culture and education for acknowledging, in the form of the award, the importance of the arts and the humanities in contemporary cultural life,” said Portugues, who also directs the Interdepartmental Program in Film Studies. “As the Hollywood-born daughter of a Hungarian émigré, the award has special meaning to me. I look forward to marking this exceptional moment by continuing my cultural activities, through research, publication, screenings and collaborations with international artists and colleagues, and to presenting their work in film courses, publications and for the public at a time when international cultural and artistic exchange is more vital than ever.”
Portuges also expressed her gratitude to Hungarian Cultural Centre of London for inviting her to serve as guest curator for film series and festivals, and to the Hungarian consulates, embassies and cultural centers of Budapest, Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C. and Paris for their collaboration in screening the work of talented Hungarian filmmakers.
“Every scholar seeks the regard of her professional peers who are expertly positioned to evaluate its scientific and academic merits,” said Joel Martin, dean of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts. “Professor Portuges received that long ago, but now she has received the regard and respect of the people whose culture she studies, which is a rare achievement in its own regard and in a way especially moving. The college is doubly proud of her.”
November 18, 2009.
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