Kinoteka

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Tuesday 22nd April 2008 18:30 at BFI Southbank

Dir Andrzej Wajda. With Magdalena Cielecka, Andrzej Chyra, Jan Englert, Agnieszka Glinska. 120min. Courtesy of Telewizja Polska. Poland 2007.

The third of Andrzej Wajda’s films to be nominated for an Oscar, Katyn is a courageous tribute to the memory of the thousands of Polish officers who were massacred by the Red Army during WW2: including Wajda’s own father. A taboo subject in postwar Poland, one that raises intense emotion, the tragedy is here exposed through a fictional tale, rooted firmly in the history. Set in Krakow between 1939 and 1950, the film takes the perspectives of three women, the wife, daughter and mother of an officer, each of whom await the return of their loved one. Despite rumours of the terrible crime they maintain hope against the odds. Excellent performances and chilling archive footage combine to make this an unforgettable testimony.

Andrzej Wajda has agreed to present this UK Premiere at BFI Southbank and discuss the film and his distinguished 50-year career in a Guardian Interview. This special premiere heralds the season of his work at BFI Southbank throughout May.

Tickets £14.75, concs £10.75 (BFI Members pay £1 less)

We are both very sad and sorry to inform you that Andrzej Wajda will no longer be able to attend KINOTEKA for medical reasons.

The KATYN screening at BFI Southbank will go on as planned and the Polish Cultural Institut is working hard to bring cast and production members from the film to speak after the screening (tbc).

• Tuesday 22nd April 2008 18:30 at BFI Southbank