Jerzy Hoffman, a master of Polish cinematography, used the unique scenery of Zamość, its special architecture and exceptional atmosphere in his work.
Wolności Square and the back of St. Franciscan Church “appeared” in a film, becoming a natural scenery for the director’s latest movie entitled “Bitwa Warszawska 1920”. It is one of the first films in Europe and the first film in Poland made in 3D technology. The film presents the twists and turns of the characters’ lives against the background of war, which ends with Poland’s victory over the Soviet Union. Thanks to this victory the march of the Red Army towards Western Europe was halted.
Zamość back streets belonged to the 76 facilities used as the film scenery. Before the particular scenes were shot, some changes had been introduced: the whole surface of the square was covered with a layer of mud, pavement stalls with pots, barrels and meat were set up, iron carts were brought and the place became alive with cows, goats and poultry. Shop-signs from the 1920s as well as appeals to peasants and workers were hung on the walls of tenement houses. The hubbub and clamour of a small Jewish town pervaded the air. 200 extras, dressed up as Jewish merchants, townswomen, Ukrainian peasants, the local poor and beggars appeared on set. The film stars such famous Polish actors as Borys Szyc, Adam Ferency and a Russian actress Olga Kabo.
Marcin Zamoyski, the Mayor of Zamość, also appeared at the makeshift market not as one of the extras but as the town’s host and former filmmaker. When one of the “Jews” pestered him to sell the Town Hall, the Mayor agreed to do that promising jokingly to sell it at a discount “to his own.” Obviously, he was not given a chance to keep his promise because the Town Hall is not for sale; it is the town’s showpiece, its identification mark, known and recognisable in Poland and abroad.
Other actors who also appear in the film are Daniel Olbrychski, Bogusław Linda, Natasza Urbańska, Wiktor Zborowski, Wojciech Pszoniak, Marian Dziędziel, Ewa Wiśniewska, Stanisława Celińska and Grażyna Szapołowska as well as a Russian actor Aleksander Domogarow, famous for his part of Bohun in a film entitled “Ogniem i mieczem.” Sławomir Idziak is the author of cinematography; in 2002 he was nominated for an Oscar for the cinematography he had done for Ridley Scott’s film entitled “Black Hawk Down.”
“Bitwa Warszawska 1920” is going to be released in September 2011.
