Artists and art theorists who found themselves in Łódź after the end of World War II believed that cinema in Poland – professional and artistic – needed a school to educate filmmakers. Thus, in 1948, the famous Łódź "film school" was established. Learn about the greatest achievements of its outstanding graduates.

From the History of Łódź Film School

The first lecturers at the Łódź "film school" were Jerzy Bossak, Jerzy Teoplitz, Stanisław Wohl, Antoni Bohdziewicz and Wanda Jakubowska. They educated among others outstanding directors: Andrzej Wajda, Andrzej Munka, Roman Polański, Janusz Morgenstern and Kazimierz Karabasz. At the same time, the Higher School of Acting was also established in Łódź, headed by Kazimierz Dejmek. Its first graduates included Jan Machulski and Jadwiga Barańska.

In 1958, the film and acting schools merged, and the school's students created a new trend in Polish cinematography called "cinema of moral anxiety", which bracketed the earlier "Polish film school" and shifted focus to in-depth psychological portraits of characters and contemporary issues.

The late 1960s, as well as the 1970s and 1980s, were not the best period in the history of the "film school". After the political transformation of 1989, the School was able to "spread its wings". It was possible to expand the campus considerably and purchase the most modern equipment. The Acting Department also underwent transformations under the influence of the development of new media and the arrival of new times. New programmes emerged, including animation and special effects, photography and screenwriting. To this day, the Łódź "film school" enjoys an undiminished reputation and sets standards for Polish cinematography. Its graduates win international distinctions and build careers not only in Poland, but also abroad.

The Most Outstanding Graduates, The Greatest Achievements

1. Andrzej Wajda

One of the most outstanding creators in the history of cinema, not only Polish but also world cinema. Film and theatre director, screenwriter and set designer. Andrzej Wajda won many prestigious awards, including an Oscar for lifetime achievement, the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival. His unforgettable films such as "Kanał" and "Ashes and Diamonds" constituted the movement called the "Polish film school". His unforgettable films also include: "Everything for Sale", "Gates of Paradise", "The Promised Land", "Man of Marble", and recently also "Katyń", "Tatarak", "Wałęsa" and "A Powidoki".

2. Roman Polański

He is the most famous Polish director in the world, which he owes to outstanding productions as well as a turbulent biography full of scandals and dramatic events. He graduated from Łódź Film School in 1959. His first acclaimed film is "Knife in the Water"; thanks to the attention this film gained, Polański tried his hand on the international stage. He made among others "Repulsion" and "Rosemary's Baby". His next title "Tess" brought him the César and a nomination for an Oscar for directing. As an actor, we can admire him on screen in films such as "A Slight Ache" and "A Pure Formality".

3. Janusz Gajos

Janusz Gajos undoubtedly belongs among Poland's most outstanding film and theatre actors. He began his film career even before completing Film School in Łódź. We remember him among others from the role of Jan Kos in the series "Four Tank-Men and a Dog". Thanks to this role, he became the most popular, beloved and respected actor in Poland. He performed on the stages of many theatres, including Teatr Polski, Teatr Dramatyczny, Teatr Powszechny, Teatr Komedii and Kwadrat. He appeared in "PitBull", "Closed Circuit", "Alternative 4", "Fuksie" and in the brilliant production by Małgorzata Szumowska – "Body/Ciało".

4. Krzysztof Zanussi

Krzysztof Zanusski's films are always characterized by extraordinary originality, filled with profound reflection and keen observation. In them, the director addresses issues of a moral and psychological nature, revealing the complex inner lives of characters. He is a respected figure in the film community, which is why he holds numerous related positions. He is a member of the Cinematography Committee, taught at the Łódź "film school" and at the National Film School in Great Britain. He also works in theatre directing and writes books devoted to, among others, amateur film. We know him primarily from such titles as: "Life as a Mortal Disease", "Camouflage", "Illumination", "Foreign Body" and "The Gallop".

5. Krzysztof Kieślowski

The name Krzysztof Kieślowski is inseparably associated in Poland with "cinema of moral anxiety". He began his career with short documentary films. With the film "The Double Life of Véronique" he moved somewhat away from topics related to contemporary Polish problems. Thanks to this production, his international career began. With the film trilogy "Three Colours" he earned numerous international awards. His films, for example "A Short Film About Love" and "A Short Film About Killing", remain in the memory for a long time and do not allow for indifference. Kieślowski shows above all destructive interpersonal relations, and his productions are characterized by a unique atmosphere, artistry and moodiness.