Film Reader: The Cinema of Moral Unrest

One of the common features of Polish films of moral unrest is their political dimension. It mirrors the social and political situation in the country and creates the basis for the whole artistic movement. Its filmmakers perceive art as something that can intervene in the current situation and raise public awareness. But it isn’t only the politics that links these films together. They aimed to portray the Polish society in true colours. They wanted to depict its new prosperity, which is nothing more than Communism in disguise. It comes as no surprise that the existence of the movement is framed by major political events. It was triggered by a wave of rallies in June 1976 and forcefully interrupted by the declaration of a state of emergency in December 1981. This year marks the 40th anniversary of this event.