Jaruzelski rules. Solidarity fights

„Jaruzelski rules. Solidarity fights” is a moving docudrama that portrays the dramatic struggle of the opposition against the communist regime in 1980s Poland, focusing on the activities of the Solidarity movement in Nowa Huta. Through the lens of the daily life of a three-member family, viewers witness how the regime’s repression affected ordinary citizens and how those who risked everything fought for freedom.

The film stands out for its use of unique archival materials obtained from the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN). These authentic resources, recorded secretly by the Security Service, document the illegal actions of the communist authorities, including the surveillance of citizens, demonstrations, and street events. The film also features original audio recordings of militia officers’ conversations, revealing the regime’s brutality. Commands to pacify and beat protesters, captured via walkie-talkies, expose the grim reality of martial law.

Central to the film are the stories of Solidarity heroes such as Stanisław Handzlik, Edward Nowak, Jan Ciesielski, and Maciej Macha. These individuals, sentenced to long prison terms for their opposition activities, remind us of the immense sacrifice and courage of those fighting for Poland’s freedom. Their testimonies, shared on screen, provide a vital record of those dramatic events and pay tribute to the thousands of anonymous heroes who fought for independence.

In addition to archival footage, the film incorporates innovative technological solutions, including advanced artificial intelligence (AI), which was used in the creation of both animations and the soundtrack. The animations, developed by Łukasz Lenda with the help of AI, give the production a unique, modern character that contrasts with the harsh realities of the 1980s, bridging the past and present. The AI-generated soundtrack enhances the film’s emotional depth. The movie also features the song “Ojcze Nasz” by the band WU-HAE, with lyrics written by a Solidarity activist while imprisoned.

„Jaruzelski rules. Solidarity fights” is not just a historical documentary but also a story of individual strength, determination, and resilience. The film commemorates the victims of the communist regime, such as Bogdan Włosik and Ryszard Smagur, who were killed by militia officers. These events highlight the significant sacrifices made by those who dared to oppose the authorities.

The film’s director, Marcin Bzyk, known primarily as a musician and leader of the band WU-HAE, makes his debut in the world of film, blending his artistic experience with cutting-edge technologies. His approach to film narrative, leveraging artificial intelligence, marks a step into a new era of art, where traditional forms of expression merge with advanced technology. This film serves as a reminder that history and modernity can go hand in hand, creating new ways to tell stories of the past.

This production pays homage to the heroes of Solidarity while showing how their sacrifices allow us to enjoy freedom today. It is a film that not only revisits the past but also inspires reflection on the value of freedom—something worth fighting for.

  • Marcin Bolesław Bzyk-Bąk
    Director
  • Marcin Bolesław Bzyk-Bąk
    Writer
  • Aleksandra Marciniak
    Writer
  • Julia Suszczyńska
    Writer
  • Julia Suszczyńska
    Producer
  • Marcin Bolesław Bzyk-Bąk
    Producer
  • Maciej Mach
    Key Cast
  • Edward Nowak
    Key Cast
  • Stanisław Handzlik
    Key Cast
  • Jan Ciesielski
    Key Cast
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Dekada Jaruzelskiego. Solidarność walczy
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    52 minutes 38 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 13, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    37,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Poland
  • Country of Filming:
    Poland
  • Language:
    Polish
  • Shooting Format:
    Blackmagic Cinema Camera 4K
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Black & White and Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Marcin Bolesław Bzyk-Bąk

Marcin “Bzyk” Bąk, vocalist, co-founder, and lyricist of the renowned crossover band WU-HAE, began his musical career in 1999 in Nowa Huta. The band WU-HAE, known for its high-energy performances, has released five albums and earned recognition for appearances at major festivals such as Hunter Fest and Metalmania, as well as supporting Korn at the “Spodek” arena in Katowice.

Bzyk Bąk has also been involved in other musical projects, including Grube Ryby, collaborating with artists like Jarosław Śmietana and Wojciech Karolak. His talent has been highlighted in collaborations with musicians such as Piotr Wyleżoł, Steve Logan, and Adam Czerwiński.

In 2009, Bzyk Bąk received the main prize in Gazeta Wyborcza’s Cultural Awards – Kulturalne Odloty 2009 in the Artist category. That same year, he produced and spearheaded the album Opera Nowohucka, working with Grzegorz Markowski, Maciej Maleńczuk, and others. In 2010, he launched the Nohucki project, showcasing his shift towards electronic sounds.

Bzyk Bąk is also known for his involvement in socio-artistic initiatives, including the “secession of Nowa Huta from Kraków” happening and the anti-smog song “Pozwól mi oddychać” (“Let Me Breathe”). His festival, “Nowa Huta Alternative,” earned him a nomination for the title of “Krakowian of the Year 2015” in the Culture category, where he took second place.

The latest WU-HAE album, Dziki Kraj (“Wild Country”), released in 2019, features tracks like “Krakowiaczek” and “Wypierdalać,” the latter becoming an anthem for the Women’s Strike protests.

Since 2020, Bzyk Bąk has expanded his artistic endeavors into documentary filmmaking. His 2022 film Na zawsze melomani (“Forever Melomani”), in which he serves as narrator and interviewer, was met with public acclaim. Most recently, he completed the documentary Dekada Jaruzelskiego. Solidarność walczy (“Jaruzelski rules. Solidarity fights”), which premiered on December 13, 2024.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

The idea for this film came to me at the end of 2020. Earlier, I had the opportunity to meet Edward Nowak, Staszek Handzlik, Janek Ciesielski, and Maciek Mach. Their stories fascinated me from the very beginning. The way they acted in moments of trial, the choices they made, and the courage they showed left a lasting impression on me.

It was my acquaintance with these four extraordinary individuals that directly inspired me to create this film. I wanted to tell the world about their fight against the communist regime and about the values that, in today’s world of consumerism and division, are increasingly hard to find.

I feel that the legacy of the Nowa Huta Solidarity movement and its contribution to the fall of communism in Poland remain undervalued. With this film, I aim to change that. I want to present the argument that the fall of communism in Poland began in Nowa Huta in 1988. The turning point was the May strike, brutally suppressed by ZOMO and the Militia at the Lenin Steelworks.

„Jaruzelski rules. Solidarity fights” is not just a story about the past but also an attempt to remind us of values and attitudes that can inspire us even today.