Sylwetka wybranego artysty - The profile of an artist of your choice

I consider Andrzej Wajda to be one of the most prominent personages in the world of art. He is a leading representative of Polish school in film which parted with the poetics of social realism and the sentimentalism of the pre-war period. Artists of this school rebelled against conventions, they wanted acting to be more natural. Such productions as Pokolenie (The Generation), Popiol i diament (Ashes and diamond) and Kanal (The Canal), all directed by Andrzej Wajda provide the best examples. Wajda has made many classics of Polish literature into films, for example, Popioly (Ashes) by Zeromski, Wesele (Wedding) by Wyspianski, Ziemia obiecana (The Promised Land) by Reymont, and recently Pan Tadeusz by Mickiewicz. Wajda's international success proves that he is a great artist. He has received a lot of prizes, such as the FIPRESCI Prize at the International Film Festival in Cannes, for Czlowiek z marmuru (Man of marble), a Silver Bear at the festival in Berlin for Wielki Tydzien (The Easter Week) or a Golden Palm in Cannes for Czlowiek z zelaza (Man of iron). In recognition of his entire work in film industry Wajda was given a Caesar - the most prestigious prize of the French Film Academy, and he has recently received an Oscar.

Wajda's films have always dealt with history, from Napoleon's campaign in Popioly, to the times of the Solidarity trade union in Czlowiek z zelaza. A number of famous scenes have made the history of Polish film, such as the scene showing burning alcoholic spirit in Popiol i diament, or the sheets stained with the dying Maciek's blood.

Andrzej Wajda has also promoted many Polish actors. He is a legend of Polish cinema, a man of extraordinary abilities and inexhaustible resources, and that is why we should pay tribute to him.

[Arkadiusz Szymczak]