"Wałęsa. Man of Hope" in Slovak, Hungarian and Czech Cinemas

Wałęsa. Człowiek z nadziei (Wałęsa. Man of Hope), a film directed by Andrzej Wajda and co-financed by the Polish Film Institute, was released theatrically in Slovakia and Hungary on March 20, 2014. On April 3, the film was also be released in cinemas in the Czech Republic.

Slovakia

Wałęsa. Człowiek z nadziei (Wałęsa. Man of Hope) was released theatrically in Slovakia on March 20, 2014. Distribution in Slovakia is handled by ASFK – Asociácia Slovenských Filmových Klubov. The film screens at the following cinemas: FK Lumiere and FK Igric in Bratislava, Kinoklub Tatra in Nitra, FK 4K in Modra, FK – kino Fontána in Piešťany, FK Freska 409 pri KC Bardejov in Bardejovské kúpele, and Torysa in Sabinov.

Hungary

Wałęsa. Człowiek z nadziei (Wałęsa. Man of Hope) was released theatrically in Hungary on March 20, 2014. Distribution in Hungary is handled by Cirkó Film. The film screens at Art Mozi cinemas.

The Czech Republic

Andrzej Wajda’s latest feature was released theatrically in the Czech Republic on April 3, 2014. Distribution in the Czech Republic is handled by Artcam. A retrospective of films by Andrzej Wajda ran from March 28 through March 30 at the Ponrepo cinema in Prague. Audiences had a chance to see Człowiek z żelaza (Man of Iron), Człowiek z marmuru (Man of Marble), and Wałęsa. Człowiek z nadziei (Wałęsa. Man of Hope).

The Latest Film by Andrzej Wajda

In Wałęsa. Człowiek z nadziei (Wałęsa. Man of Hope), Andrzej Wajda presents the history of the transformation that affected not only party meetings, demonstrations and Round Table discussions, but also life in small flat at a Gdańsk high-rise residential area. By looking at the family life of the union activist, Wajda attempts to capture the metamorphosis of a simple man focused on his everyday life into a charismatic leader. The story of transformation is also about his wife Danuta and their family – a family that was meant to lead a normal life, but was forced straight into the middle of life-changing events. It is the story of a husband, father and simple worker who liberated the dreams of freedom that lay dormant in the hearts of millions.

A Film Supported by the Polish Film Institute

The film was written by Janusz Głowacki and lensed by Paweł Edelman. The lead roles were played by Robert Więckiewicz and Agnieszka Grochowska, with supporting performances by Maria Rosaria Omaggio, Zbigniew Zamachowski, Maciej Stuhr, Mirosław Baka, and Cezary Kosiński. Wałęsa. Man of Hope was produced by Akson Studio and co-produced by Telekomunikacja Polska S.A, Narodowe Centrum Kultury, Telewizja Polska S.A., and Canal+ Cyfrowy S.A. The film was also co-financed by the Polish Film Institute, sponsored by Grupa Energa and SAUR Neptun Gdańsk, and produced in partnership with the City of Gdańsk, under honorary patronage of the Minister of Culture and National Heritage Bogdan Zdrojewski.

World Premiere in Venice

The world premiere of Wałęsa. Człowiek z nadziei (Wałęsa. Man of Hope) took place on September 5, 2013 at the 70th Venice International Film Festival, where Andrzej Wajda also received the 2013 Persol Award for legends of international cinema. The film was released theatrically in Poland on October 4, 2013. Distribution in Poland is handled by Vue Movie (formerly ITI Cinema). World sales are handled by Films Boutique.

Paulina Bez

Translated by Karolina Kołtun