Polish Film Academy: “Strong Man”, directed by Henryk Szaro (1929, 78′) and “Europe”, directed by Franciszka and Stefan Themersonowie (1932, 12′) + lecture by Prof. Natasha Korczarowska-Różycka

The Academy of Polish Film is a nationwide educational program that disseminates knowledge about the history of Polish cinema. The new edition of the two-year course starts at the Museum of Cinematography on October 5, 2026. Classes are held once a week, on Mondays at 5 p.m., and consist of one-hour lectures and screenings of two films.

“Strong man”

Henryk Bielecki is a type of strong man, striving for fame and wealth at all costs. He even goes so far as to murder a certain writer, which allows him to publish the books of the murdered under his own name and gain notoriety. The meeting of the beautiful, extremely subtle Nina Ligęza, the wife of an earthly citizen, causes a breakthrough in his life. Under its influence, he is morally reborn and becomes aware of all the abomination of his conduct and the misery of his previous life. Thanks to her, he becomes a truly strong man, a strong force of character. Not wanting to harm others anymore and unable to find a place for himself in the world, he commits suicide.

The description of the film comes from the “Lexicon of Polish Feature Films” (Warsaw, 1996).

“Europe”

The film is considered the beginning of Polish experimental cinema. It is based on a futuristic poem by Anatol Stern from 1925. It was an expression of rebellion against the wars and the crisis of the new European society, which was on the verge of collapse. He stigmatized elites exploiting the working masses and the lower strata of society. Its creators, the young married couple Francis and Stefan Themerson, realized it with their own sumpt in their apartment. Limited technical capabilities and small financial resources led them to create their own distinctive and unique style. The result of their work put them at the forefront of the most recognized artists in Polish avant-garde circles. In later years, they created the Association of Film Authors, organized community screenings and discussions, as well as film workshops.

The description of the film is taken from the website ninateka.pl