New feature film tells the story of students resisting the communist regime to protect crosses
Anna Druś
The strike of secondary school students in Włoszczowa in 1984, protesting against the removal of crosses from school walls, was an event that resonated throughout Poland. Since almost no one remembers it today, the filmmakers decided to tell this story through a feature film dedicated to contemporary young people, thereby raising several issues that are still relevant today.
The film, titled ‘Znak sprzeciwu’ (Sign of Protest), is a noteworthy production by the Rafael Association, a prominent distributor of Christian-themed films in Poland. The producers are determined to create a high-quality artistic work, steering clear of any poorly executed projects with a heavy thesis. Their aim is to deliver a professional film featuring a strong cast and a compelling script, one that could resonate with audiences, including even the most ardent atheists.
To achieve this vision, they entrusted the filmmaking to the talented duo of Angelika and Mateusz Olszewski. This pair is well-regarded for their acclaimed online series 'Jonasz z 2B’, which was commissioned by the influential Dominican friar Father Adam Szustak from the popular 'Langusta na Palmie’ channel. Mateusz Olszewski takes the helm as director, while Angelika Olszewska crafts the screenplay. In an interview with DlaPolonii, Olszewska expressed their goal: ‘We don’t want to create a film with a thesis, but rather a narrative that allows contemporary viewers to connect with the experiences of the main characters.’
The production boasts an impressive lineup of renowned Polish actors, including Mirosław Zbrojewicz, Piotr Cyrwus, Rafał Zawierucha, Dominika Kluźniak, Sebastian Fabijański, Mieczysław Hryniewicz, Henryk Gołębiewski, and Dariusz Kowalski. The roles of the young strikers are portrayed by promising talents like Sara Lityńska, Maria Świłpa, and Andrzej Ogłoz, along with hundreds of extras.
The film, „Znak sprzeciwu” (Sign of Protest).
The creators openly acknowledge the complexity of the subject matter. They undertook extensive research, utilizing historical sources, including materials from the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN), and engaging with participants of the events they depict. They meticulously scouted locations that authentically represented the challenging conditions of Polish educational institutions in the 1980s. ‘This film will essentially be a costume drama,’ explains Angelika Olszewska. ‘Today’s Poland is so different from that era that we had to build many of the sets from scratch. Additionally, we recreated period costumes for the entire cast of extras, requiring the effort of more than 30 individuals dedicated to set design alone.’
Students in Włoszczowa in 1984/ https://echodnia.eu
The creators emphasize that their intention extends beyond merely shedding light on a largely forgotten history from four decades ago; they aim to highlight pressing contemporary issues, specifically the defence of vital life values, personal freedom, and the courage to stand up for what is right, even at the risk of persecution. ‘We hope that audiences today will grasp the significance of the values being defended,’ shares Przemysław Wręźlewicz, director of Rafael Film. ‘When we began the script and production, we recognized the weight of the topic, but we couldn’t have anticipated how swiftly this film would become not only universally significant but also highly relevant.’
Students in Włoszczowa in 1984/ https://echodnia.eu
‘Znak sprzeciwu’ unfolds the true story of a high school strike in Włoszczowa during the autumn and winter of 1984. Under pressure from the communist authorities, all crosses that had been hung in classrooms after the ‘Solidarity Festival’ in 1981 were removed during the summer break. In response, students from various schools, including the Vocational School Complex in Włoszczowa, began protesting for the return of these crosses, which symbolized the hope and freedom ushered in by Solidarity. The movement escalated into a widespread strike in Włoszczowa, ultimately leading to student repression and the imprisonment of adults, including supportive priests.
The film’s central character, Alicja Groszek, is portrayed by Sara Lityńska in her big-screen debut. Alicja, a high school graduate, spearheaded the protest and faced severe repercussions, including being barred from taking her final exams. She provided invaluable insights to the film’s screenwriters about her experiences. The filmmakers also consulted Fr. Marek Łabuda, one of the catechists who inspired the striking youth, who is depicted in the film. He introduced them to a more compassionate and engaged vision of the Church, contrasting with the prevailing perception of the time.
‘We needed to weave a narrative from this true story that would capture its drama and pivotal moments. Young people across all eras tend to challenge authority, and we hope today’s youth, for whom the idea of fighting for crosses in schools feels abstract, will understand the perspectives of those teenagers,’ remarks Angelika Olszewska, co-writer of ‘Znak sprzeciwu’.
The film is entirely funded through a public fundraising initiative, relying on online donations from individuals eager to support meaningful Christian cinema. The second stage of this fundraising is currently underway, with an additional 3 million PLN needed to fully finance the project. To contribute, visit https://stowarzyszenierafael.pl/znaksprzeciwu/.
The creators are determined to reach a broad audience, including the Polish diaspora. The film is slated for release in Polish cinemas in early 2026, after which an international tour will be possible, contingent upon feedback from Polish community organizations interested in hosting screenings abroad.
Source: DlaPolonii.pl
Anna Druś
