APF: Kosciuszko pod Racławice | Lead Soldiers

Another meeting of the Polish Film Academy at the Student Cinema “Blue Blanket” in Toruń, realized in cooperation with the National Film Archive — Audiovisual Institute.

In the program of the first meeting, films: — Kościuszko pod Racławice — directed by Józef Lejtes, — Lead soldiers — directed by Maksymilian Emmer, Jerzy Maliniak.

After the screening of the films, the lecture will be given by: dr Monika Bator

The meeting takes place as part of the first semester of the APF Plot “In Search of Identity. Polish Cinema until 1956”, dedicated to the development of cinema on Polish soil in the first half century of its existence — from pioneering productions to the first works of the Polish Film School.

The Polish Film Academy is a nationwide educational program of the National Film Archive — Audiovisual Institute, which disseminates knowledge about the history of Polish cinematography. Each meeting combines a film lecture with a film screening, allowing us to look at indigenous cinema through its creators, genres, themes and historical contexts.

In the academic year 2026/2027, Toruń for the first time joins the group of cities where the program of the Polish Film Academy is implemented.

Kosciuszko pod Raclawice (1938)

Director: Józef Lejtes

Spectacular historical film telling about one of the most important events of the Kosciuszko insurrection. In the center of the story is Tadeusz Kościuszko and the victorious battle of Racławice in 1794, in which Polish troops, supported by Kossinners, faced the Russian troops. Józef Lejtes evokes the atmosphere of the struggle for independence, showing the courage, dedication and solidarity of soldiers and peasants. The film combines a historical spectacle with a patriotic tale of national unity and the pursuit of freedom.

The Lead Soldiers (1938)

Directed by Maksymilian Emmer, Jerzy Maliniak

“Lead Soldiers” is a Polish film from the late 1930s, whose title evokes the world of children's games, dreams and ideas about war. The picture was created at a time of growing political tensions in Europe, when the themes of patriotism, responsibility and preparation for the defense of the homeland were strongly present in the culture.