Amsterdam Polish Film Festival: The Promised Land

Three ambitious friends pursue wealth in a world driven by ruthless capitalism. The Promised Land is Widely regarded as one of Wajda’s greatest achievements. Followd by an after talk.

What was it like to live in a rapidly industrializing city of Łódź at the end of the nineteenth century? The Promised Land is a story of three ambitious friends – a Pole, a German, and a Jew, who join forces to build a textile factory and pursue wealth in a world driven by ruthless capitalism. With breathtaking visual dynamism, Andrzej Wajda transforms Władysław Reymont’s celebrated novel into a powerful picture of industrial modernity, class conflict, and the allure of success. Widely regarded as one of Wajda’s greatest achievements, The Promised Land remains strikingly relevant today.

Conversation: The Promised Land in 21st century
Wajda’s 1975 masterpiece is considered one of the greatest films in Polish cinema history and its domestic release triggered massive debate among historians, censors and the general public. This conversation will explore the roots of the story, the film’s critique of early industrial capitalism, and the reasons why the message it carries is still relevant today.

About Amsterdam Polish Film Festival
The 5th edition of the Amsterdam Polish Film Festival is entirely dedicated to Andrzej Wajda, the renowned Polish director who received an Academy Award in 2000 for his lifetime achievement.