Addressing those who came to pay their respects, Minister of Education and Culture István Hiller noted that it is difficult to speak about a man who did not enjoy praise. Illés was a modest, down-to-earth person who preferred giving to receiving, Hiller said. He recalled the story, now legendary among film circles, of Illés sneaking into a cinema in Eger at age 17 to watch a French film, then firmly deciding to become a cinematographer. Even after 80, ?Uncle Gyuri?, as many referred to him, would still read scripts, and he would cross the street in front of his home to visit the offices of the Society of Hungarian Cinematographers at least three times a week. Illés was an extraordinary man who lived an extraordinary life, spending seven decades ?in the service of light?, Hiller said.
Chairman of Duna Television László Cselényi recalled that Illés had actively participated in the creation of Duna TV, which is broadcast to ethnic Hungarians living all around the world as well as in Hungary. Cselényi offered the consolation that even after his death, Illés?s heritage belongs to his students and the entire nation.
Former rector of the Theatre and Film Academy Péter Huszti bid farewell to ?Uncle Gyuri? the teacher on behalf of all of the academy?s students, past and present. Huszti, who also paid his respects as a friend, recalled the kind gestures Illés would make to his film crew during shoots.
Cinematographer Lajos Koltai told those gathered at the ceremony that Illés had always tried to enjoy what he was doing, because he said good work could only be done with a feeling of contentment. Illés was a man who walked 1,700 kilometres to return home from the Don Bend, then was taken to the Mauthausen concentration camp. He was one to always say, ?The only thing I want is to live?. He left behind his love, his films and, through his students, his knowledge, Koltai said.
Other important film professionals attending the funeral were directors Péter Bacsó, István Szabó, Lívia Gyarmathy and Ferenc Kósa, cinematographers János Kende, Elemér Ragályi, Lajos Koltai and János Edelényi, and actress Ildikó Piros. Budapest deputy mayor János Schiffer and undersecretary at the Ministry of Education and Culture Márta Schneider were also in attendance.
Illés, who was twice the recipient of the Kossuth Prize, Hungary?s highest award for artists, as well as the Master of the Hungarian Moving Image award, died, at 92, on June 12.
Illés?s ashes were interred after the ceremony by his wife Dolly and his friends.
