JIFF: March 1968

"Krzysztof Lang skilfully uses real events to offer a suspenseful production. Contrary to the title, this is not a story specifically about "March '68" - Spider's Web

Students Hania and Janek begin a whirlwind romance after meeting at a theatre performance one evening. They are ignorant of the political uprising around them: antisemitism is on the rise, and the persecution of Jewish citizens is gaining momentum. Hania is Jewish, and her parents lose their jobs in the growing climate of hostility. With no money and no prospects for the future, her family decides to emigrate. But the girl does not want to leave. 

After Hania and Janek’s colleagues are expelled from university and the government censors an upcoming theatrical production, the two decide to act. Compelled by their love, they participate in a protest to defend freedom of the theatre and freedom of speech, but police brutality and violence ensue, separating the young couple and threatening their future together.  

This dramatic love story offers a heady convergence of romance, history and politics in a rarely told story of antisemitism in 1960s communist Poland.  

Rating

E

Language

Polish (English subtitles)

Cast

Ignacy Liss, Vanessa Aleksander, Ireneusz Czop

Director

Krzysztof Lang