The Three Deaths of Merian Cooper

“The Three Deaths of Merian Cooper” Documentary Poland, 2024 Duration: 53 min

“The Three Deaths of Merian Cooper” (directed by Rafał Sałata, 2024) is a fascinating story about a man whose life could serve as a script for an adventure film. Merian Cooper was a pilot, soldier, traveler and filmmaker, remembered by the world as the creator of the legendary “King Kong”. Few know, however, that he was also a hero of the Polish-Bolshevik war and a pilot of the Polish Army. The film presents the extraordinary fate of an American who came to a reborn Poland, co-created the famous 7th Tadeusz Kościuszko Fighter Squadron, fought in the defense of Lviv and was awarded the Silver Cross of the Virtuti Militari War Order by Marshal Józef Piłsudski. Shot down by the Bolsheviks, he ended up in Soviet captivity, from which he managed to escape after a daring trek of hundreds of kilometers. The Institute of National Remembrance's production showcases the lesser-known face of Cooper, a man who rubbed himself to death three times and yet remained true to the values of freedom and solidarity. It is a moving story of the Polish-American brotherhood of arms, courage and an extraordinary biography, combining the history of Poland with the history of world cinema. Admission is free. Tickets are now available at the box office of the Rialto Cinema. The number of seats is limited, so we encourage you to pick them up in advance. The remaining pool of tickets will also be available on the day of the event. “The Three Deaths of Merian Cooper” will be presented as part of the 3rd Poznań Film Review, which will take place on October 11, 2026 at the Rialto Cinema in Poznań.