Öur founder and president, Kristina Lorent Goztola, was recently featured in an in-depth English-language interview on Medium.
She discusses her creative journey from musical theatre to film, the establishment of Gold Wood Pictures in Paris, and her commitment to auteur-driven European cinema.
📎 Read the full interview here
“Gold Wood Pictures is not just a company — it’s a cinematic vision rooted in authenticity.”
Adopting an artistic name is nothing unusual in the film world. For Korday, the decision was both practical and principled. Known for his award-winning short Le Collier (The Necklace), the director chose to change his name to avoid confusion with a well-known documentary filmmaker of a similar name.
“There had already been mix-ups because of the similarity, so I felt it was necessary,” Korday explains. While the name is currently an artistic pseudonym, he plans to make it official in the future. “At festivals, in contracts, and in professional networks, it’s simply easier if my surname is clear.”
Why Korday?
The name pays homage to one of Hungary’s legendary contributions to cinema: Alexander Korda (Korda Sándor), the pioneering Hungarian-born producer-director whose influence still resonates in Hollywood.
“This connection inspired me,” Korday says. “My family and friends understood immediately. When I shifted from a singing career to filmmaking years ago, they were more skeptical. Now they’re proud of our successes, and the name change raised no objections. It also feels like the right fit — Hollywood was, after all, the place where I was first drawn deeply into the world of film.”
That turning point came in 2012, when Korday was invited to Los Angeles and spent several weeks in the former Hollywood Hills villa of three-time Oscar winner Frank Capra. The Italian-born Capra is remembered for classics such as It Happened One Night (1934), You Can’t Take It With You (1938), and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) — films admired by giants like David Lynch, Akira Kurosawa, and Steven Spielberg.
Los Angeles left a lasting imprint on Korday. He worked there continuously until 2016 and was later honored with the title “Honorary California Ambassador of Hungarian Culture,” presented by then-Consul General László Kálmán.
A Mystical Drama Born from Personal Healing
Alongside the name change comes a new feature film, co-created with internationally recognized actress-producer Kristina Lorent Goztola. Their mystical drama, A Gentle Floating Across the Fields of Spheres, delves into the concealed details of a tragic accident, rooted in personal experience.
Originally written as a private, therapeutic text, the story gradually evolved — under Korday’s vision and with the support of a French production company — into a cinematic work.
“Kristina and I share Hollywood in our personal histories,” Korday recalls. “For years, we worked as filmmakers in the same circles around Los Angeles, unaware of each other. We couldn’t have guessed that later we’d be creating a film together.”
Source by blikk
“It is a huge honour to be compared to Monica Bellucci in the media!
She is a wonderful woman, a true icon — if I can even reach a small part of what she represents, I am already happy.
Thank you to everyone for the kind words and support — the best inspiration remains to always stay true to ourselves — with just a touch of Italian passion.“
…………………………………………………………….
It may seem like a fairy tale, but it’s not unique for a strikingly beautiful woman to break into the international film industry or modeling world simply by being noticed on the street. A similar situation occurred with Kristina Lorent Goztola in Rome.
A well-known casting director approached her on the street and handed her a business card. Although the award-winning lead actress of Le Collier already has a significant filmography, this Italian encounter confirmed earlier impressions that her appearance bears an uncanny resemblance to Monica Bellucci.
Previously, Kristina Lorent Goztola’s English-speaking agent noted that the actress represents a very strong Mediterranean type.
“Many try to establish themselves in the international film industry coming from Eastern and Central Europe, but it’s very difficult to build a career from this region… For me, this Mediterranean character brought international success. I often play Spanish, Italian, Brazilian, Mexican roles in Los Angeles, and I regularly receive feedback on social media about my resemblance to Monica Bellucci.”
At the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, Kristina Lorent Goztola and Peter Korday, director of Le Collier, personally met Monica Bellucci.
“We were captivated by her restrained elegance, humility, and charisma. Kristina embodies the same warmth, love, and sensitivity that Bellucci conveys, and in our new film she plays a character with these exact qualities in a mesmerizing way,” said the director.
There is even a possibility that Kristina Goztola Lorent and Monica Bellucci may work together. The writers are currently scripting Peter Korday’s next project, in which they aim to include Monica Bellucci.
Based on recent media coverage in prominent Hungarian online platforms (Blikk.hu, Aktualmagyar.hu and other outlets).
After winning several international awards, Kristina Goztola and Peter Halmi’s short film Le Collier (The Necklace) was screened in Cannes. The French-Hungarian co-production won the Best Experimental Film category at the Cannes Independent Film Festival (CIFF). The short film has so far been screened at seven international festivals and has won five awards.
Kristina Goztola has shot in more than 70 international films, and The Necklace is the second one to be produced. The short film was shot in January 2020 in Paris with French crew and actors including actor Eric da Costa, a cousin of Monica Bellucci. It is interesting that the film was written and directed by Kristina’s partner, Peter Halmi, this is his first French production.
The protagonist of the film, Maiat is played by Kristina. According to the story, the beautiful Italian woman arrives in Paris. In the evenings, he reads it to Michel, an old blind man. Maia finds out the man is hiding a high-value necklace. The girl will be obsessed with the jewelry. The film is a surreal picture of Maia’s spiritual struggle. The genre of short film: a mystical drama in which visuality and music are emphasized.
The short film would have made its debut in Cannes in 2020, but as it missed the film festival, it was first screened at the Bangalore Short Film Festival. For the first time in Europe, the audience was able to see the film world at the Sweden Film Awards, and then the film was awarded at the Rome Prisma Independent Film Awards and at the Madrid Film Awards. Le Collier: not only was they nominated for one of the world’s biggest film festivals in Mumbai, but they also won the Best Director Award and Special Jury Award in the short film category at the Indo-Global International Film Festival.
This time, the film has been selected for the CIFF, the Cannes Independent Film Festival. The event, a festival dedicated to independent filmmakers, took place at the end of May, while the whole film world was focused on Cannes. A total of 38 films competed, and the winner in the Best Experimental Film category.
Kristina Goztola and Peter Halmi are currently making an all-night feature film titled In the Shadow of White. Filming will be completed in the fall, and the picture and sound works will be in Los Angeles and Paris.
Source: marieclaire.hu translated by deepl.com
Kristina Goztola has shot in more than 70 international films, and The Necklace is the second one to be produced. The short film was shot in January 2020 in Paris with French crew and actors including actor Eric da Costa, a cousin of Monica Bellucci. It is interesting that the film was written and directed by Kristina’s partner, Peter Halmi, this is his first French production.
The protagonist of the film, Maiat is played by Kristina. According to the story, the beautiful Italian woman arrives in Paris. In the evenings, he reads it to Michel, an old blind man. Maia finds out the man is hiding a high-value necklace. The girl will be obsessed with the jewelry. The film is a surreal picture of Maia’s spiritual struggle. The genre of short film: a mystical drama in which visuality and music are emphasized.
The short film would have made its debut in Cannes in 2020, but as it missed the film festival, it was first screened at the Bangalore Short Film Festival. For the first time in Europe, the audience was able to see the film world at the Sweden Film Awards, and then the film was awarded at the Rome Prisma Independent Film Awards and at the Madrid Film Awards. Le Collier: not only was they nominated for one of the world’s biggest film festivals in Mumbai, but they also won the Best Director Award and Special Jury Award in the short film category at the Indo-Global International Film Festival.
This time, the short film was selected for the competition program of the CIFF, i.e. the Cannes Independent Film Festival. The event is a festival dedicated to independent filmmakers, held May 17-28. while the entire film world is focused on Cannes. A total of 38 works will compete in the short and feature film and documentary categories.
– We’ll be competing with Emmy Award winner Victoria Rose Sampson, who was the soundcut and sound designer for major Hollywood productions – Star Wars, Red Cop, The Angel, Paranoia and Rambo. Said Kristina Goztola. – Now he is represented at the festival by directing a short film.
Kristina Goztola and Peter Halmi are currently making an all-night feature film titled In the Shadow of White. Filming will be completed in the fall, and the picture and sound works will be in Los Angeles and Paris.
Source: fresno24.com
Our film Necklace was invited to several festivals. Now, the great Sweet Democracy Film Awards – from Rome – have recognised our work with the Best Screenplay Award. Thank you!
Peter Halmi director, producer, screenwriter. He began his career as an actor. He played leading roles in numerous performances in Germany, Japan, Canada and in the United States . He was inveted to Los Angeles in 2012 where he worked as a stage director. He is the Artistic Director of Jona Films Paris later on Jonah Film Entertainment since 2017 when he started his film career. He made his debut as a co-producer in the short movie ‘Les Recherches Continuent/Scruple’ (2018). The film received the Grand Prix of Bujtor Istvan Film Festival after that the film was presented in West Los Angeles and North Hollywood as well. ‘Le Collier/The Necklace’ was also shooted in Paris, of which he was the director, co-producer and screenwriter (2020). The film received the Best Cinematography in Sweden, the Best Director Award – the Special Jury Prize in India, Bollywood, and the “Inspiration Woman in a Film” award in Hollywood, Los Angeles (2020). His first feature film ‘In the Shadow of White’ is being shooted.
What’s definitely necessary to be a good director?
I think the good director knows when to speak up – or shut up. This is basically an extension of being diplomatic. Sometimes that thing you really want to say, you don’t say. The good director knows this and exercises restraint in what he or she says.
How old you were when you decided you wanted to be a director?
A few years ago…I was an succesful actor, but i never studied directing and I never really thought about doing it, and then I just found myself in that situation and tried it.
For you a Film is...
For me a film is more like music than like fiction. It should be a progression of moods and feelings. The theme, what’s behind the emotion, the meaning, all that comes later.
What do you feel when you’re directing?
What inspires someone to become a film director? Filmmaking requires creativity and passion. Films have the power to create new worlds and generate empathy. But that process of creation takes painstaking efforts. Love for storytelling or sheer passion for filmmaking are reasons enough for someone to take this path.
You can go to the Movies with an actor or actress that you love. What kind of movie do you choose and with who you’re gonna watch it?
I’d go with my wife Kristina Goztola and see our first feature film, which she is starring in and which is expected to be released in the summer of 2022. It’s called ‘In the Shadow of White.’ I’m really excited…
Audrey Hepburn used to say “Nothing is Impossible”, what do you think about it?
The human mind is a magical labyrinth. It is a mystical universe within you, where everything eventually materializes. So be careful of what you put in it. For it is only your thoughts that can decide the possible from the impossible.
Can you live just of your passion?
Oh yes! Passion is the energy that keeps us going, that keeps us filled with meaning, and happiness, and excitement, and anticipation. Passion is a powerful force in accomplishing anything you set your mind to, and in experiencing work and life the fullest extent possible.
What’s more important talent or luck?
Highly successful people have three things in common: motivation, ability, and opportunity. If we want to succeed, we need a combination of hard work, talent, and luck.
You must go to a desert island but you can bring with you just one movie…
Cast Away – by Robert Zemeckis. Tom Hanks stars in this long movie, carrying much of the journey on his own, along with a volleyball he names Wilson. A captivating watch, viewers see what happens to a work-obsessed man when his plane crashes into the ocean and he washes up on a deserted island on an inflatable life raft, left to live a life of solitude for what ends up being years. I would draw a lot of ideas from it.
Have you ever accepted a movie to direct even if you didn’t like the project?
This has never happened before, as we produce our own films. But if I was asked to do it, it would be important for me to love the project, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to get the best out of it.
What’s the best compliment you have received about your Job?
A prestigious festival described my film Necklace as “magnificent cinematographic value”. I am very honoured.
Are you satisfied about your career?
Yes. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.
Do you have a good luck charm?
I don’t carry lucky charms, but I believe in those things.
Which is the worst moment on set?
During the filming of Necklace, traffic in Paris was blocked due to the strike. But my great team solved this problem. Thank you for your work!
How do you feel when a job you’ve been part of it’s ending?
Goodbyes are hard when you grew to love what you’re leaving, but every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.
Have you ever lied to get a job?
I don’t need it. I live my life without lies, it’s a good investment in the long run.
If you should win an Oscar your first taught would go to….
My muse and wife Kristina, without her nothing would have been possible.
Source from newyorkmovieawards.com
Kristina, congratulations again on winning the Inspiring Woman in Film award. Before we talk about the movie and your role as Maia, please introduce yourself. What made you interested in storytelling and how did you start out?
Thank you, it’s a great pleasure to receive this award.
As a little girl my dream was to be an actress. At very young I sarted to learn dancing, singing, so at the age of 19, I was already playing leading roles in theatrical musicals. My life was about music and theatre. Until one day I saw Jessica Lange in Eugene O’Neil’s drama in the West End.
You studied acting in London and in Los Angeles – do you feel educational training is essential for actors?
I always think back with gratitude to my wonderful masters. The Meisner technique learned at the Actor Center in London, gave me self-confidence in front of the camera. In Los Angeles I received great encouragement from my teachers, saying that I have a place in the international film market.
What is your all-time favorite movie?
The Devil’s Advocate with Al Pacino and Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn.
Juliette Binoche’s beautiful acting in „The English Patient” dazzles me.
You’re an in-demand actress, with a very impressive list of credits! What were some of the highlights of your career so far, and how do you deal with the stress that comes with this career?
I’m proud to have filmed with Jason Clarke, Rosamund Pike in „The Man with the Iron Heart” biographical action movie. I enjoyed the shooting with Kristanna Loken in the American-Canadian action television series „Painkiller Jane”.
It was wonderful to play in Matei Visniec’s two-act drama in Paris and in Avignon.
Sport is very important to me. Whether swimming or yoga, it helps to refresh not only physically but also spiritually. Our profession is a constant competition, which is why I love it so much. I enjoy the challenges.
What is your dream role and which film director would you like to work with in the future?
It would be wonderful to work with Quentin Tarantino, Luc Besson and Woody Allen.
We work on scenarios and several film plans with my husband Peter Halmi. If these films will be realized I will be satisfied.
Let’s talk about The Necklace and your role as Maia. Your performance is wonderful and so full of nuance. How did you get into the mindset of Maia, what did you do to prepare for this shoot?
Maia a young girl full of dreams and ambition. There are stations in the lives of all of us when we are at a crossroads and we have to decide. We have to choose between good and bad. Many times these moral decisions affect our entire lives. For Maia, the necklace is a symbol of prosperity and wealth in the film, she becomes obsessed with it. When we shot the scene of Maia arriving in Paris, I remembered when I was first time in New York. It was beautiful and I felt so tiny among the huge skyscrapers.
As an immigrant yourself, you could probably identify with some of the difficulties the character experienced. Did you find any additional similarities between you and Maia, that you could identify with?
I was born in a European Union country, I live here and I mainly work here. Paris is wonderful, perfect place for an artist, I have lot of friends here. I have nothing in common with Maia. I could never, even in thought, exploit or deceive a blind man. Maia is more of a negative character in the film but through her personality I tried to show that female vanity can take us women in the wrong direction.
The film goes in-depth into exploring our emotional vulnerability and complicity as humans, as well as physical disabilities. Which scene was the most challenging for you, and why?
Mathieu Barbos played wonderfully the role of the blind man. Maia is indifferent to his disabilities and looks at him coldly, insensitively. When I see someone crying, I hug him, comfort him…..Depicting the selfishness and insensitivity of Maia was the biggest challenge for me.
What was it like to work with actors Mathieu Barbos and Eric da Costa? Was there any improv on set, or did you mainly stick to the screenplay?
We did a lot of rehearsals with Mathieu before shooting. It was important that the movement of his body be accurate. Our friend Jean-Philippe is a french musician and blind. He gave us advice how to make Mathieu’s play credible. Eric has a great cinematic proficiency with a great sense of humour, so Peter let him improvise sometimes.
Kristina Goztola & Peter Halmi
You’re working closely with your husband, director-producer Peter Halmi. What’s your secret to a successful creative collaboration?
We think very similarly. Peter started his career as a theater director and he also worked in Los Angeles where he directed musicals. We have a lot in common. The actors love to work with him because he is prepared, precise and always knows what he wants.
As an actress, you’re on set a lot, and meet so many filmmakers. In your opinion, what is the common mistake film directors do? And what are some things you’d encourage film directors to do more when working with actors?
As a producer as well I’m convinced that pre-productions for the films are decisive. It is not good for an actor to see that a director is uncertain, nervous or tense. There is no time to nurture the actor’s soul during shooting but if I see that the director is confident and beleives in me, I feel safe in front of the camera.
Your character in the film – Maia, is very inspiring in the way she shows the right direction for younger girls. What is your message to them?
The female attraction originates from the soul. If it is not accompanied by the power of purity, the outer beauty withers from within.
Do you have any advice for up-and-coming actors who wish to follow in your footsteps?
Train yourself! Be yourself! Don’t imitate anyone! Be unique and unrepeatable!
What are you currently working on?
We are working on the preparations of a tv-movie. It’ll be a romantic drama and just like in „The Necklace” we put emphasis on the triple unit of drama, music and beauty such as in opera performances.
Where can our readers follow your work?
https://instagram.com/kristinagoztola
https://facebook.com/kristinagoztola
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3181081
Is there anything you’d like to add, or someone you wish to thank?
I’d like to thank you for the interview.
Kristina Goztola won the ‘Inspiration Woman in a Film’ award to the Los Angeles Film Awards! Congratulation!
