Attila Nagy-Szakmary works in telecommunications in Hungary, where he is also a playwright and filmmaker. He serves in his local church's marriage ministry.
When did you trust Christ?
When I realized I had found my future wife, I started going to church for her sake. Until then, I had only attended festive masses. I was deeply moved by the depth and passion of the sermons. After our wedding, I signed up for confirmation preparation – not because my wife pushed me into it, but because I felt an irresistible attraction. I cannot trace my conversion to any single moment, but by the time I made my confirmation of faith at age 25, in 1999, I had no doubts and was able to surrender myself to Jesus with complete joy.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
Shortly before my confirmation, our son was baptized. The day of my confirmation was a significant milestone in my life. My mother-in-law and a friend were confirmed alongside me. In my three consecutive years in ELF's mentoring program, I gained deep insights into the creative process, storytelling, and the vital role of prayer in artistic work. I also received excellent reading recommendations that continue to inspire me.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
I'd like to deepen my relationships with like-minded Christian artists in the Christian Artists YRM community. I also expect to discover more reading materials and more insights into the creative process of fellow artists.
What is your ministry?
I serve with my wife in our church’s marriage ministry. My professional career is in telecommunications. I am also a playwright, currently collaborating with two fringe theatre companies. While most of my dramas are not explicitly Christian, my faith is reflected in how I tell stories.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
As a playwright, three of my one-act plays became finalists in drama competitions in the 2022-2023 season. One of these was later expanded into a full-length production. That same year, I received a scholarship from the Déryné Program to develop a new drama. Earlier this year, I co-wrote and co-produced a short film exploring the topic of loneliness in old age.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
I have had the privilege of participating in several different types of mentoring through ELF, including Year-Round Mentoring. Those moments remain among the most valuable hours of my life, opening a new world to me.
