Pilot of Dreams – The Films of Andrzej Wajda

55 min., WDR 3 2012

In the late 1950s, his films "Canal" and "Ashes and Diamonds" set new standards and became milestones of cinematography. Ever since his film "Man of Marble" was launched (1977) Wajda was considered a leading figure and a trail blazer, a pioneer for new revolutionary currents. The sequel movie "Man of Iron" (1981) was produced during the period of martial law in Poland 1981-1983 – right in the middle of the fight of the free trade union movement – a major contribuition, which also shaped the image of the Solidarity movement abroad. 1989 Wajda went into politics as a senator. While he was struggling for the democratic renewal of Poland and Eastern Europe, his legendary film studio "X" created the so-called "cinema of moral concern".

In his new film, "Wałęsa", Wajda resurrects the story of the rise of long-time friend and companion Lech Wałęsa from electrician to first freely elected president of Poland. The making of this film takes us on a journey to the past while providing a new perspective on Wajda's oeuvre and its artistic roots.