On January 2nd, we mark the anniversary of the passing of Jerzy Zarzycki, a legendary figure in Polish cinema. Born in Łódź on January 11, 1911, Zarzycki’s life was filled with a passion for storytelling, a love for the arts, and a deep sense of patriotism. Even decades after his death in 1971, his impact on film and his country’s cultural history remains undeniable.
A Man of Many Talents
Zarzycki’s creative journey began with a broad education. He studied at the University of Warsaw before diving into film directing at the Państwowy Instytut Sztuki Teatralnej in Warsaw, graduating in 1938. His artistic curiosity also led him to the violin at the Warsaw Conservatory, a testament to his love of all forms of art.
This rich background shaped his unique cinematic vision, blending strong visuals with emotional depth and musical sensitivity.
Shaping Polish Film Before the War
By the 1930s, Zarzycki was already making waves in the world of Polish cinema. He helped found the Stowarzyszenie Miłośników Filmu Artystycznego “Start” (Association of Enthusiasts of Artistic Film) in 1931, and later the Spółdzielnia Autorów Filmowych (Cooperative of Film Authors) in 1935. These groups were trailblazers, championing artistic storytelling in a medium that was still finding its feet in Poland.
His early films, like Ludzie Wisły (1938) and Żołnierz królowej Madagaskaru (1939), showcased his ability to switch seamlessly between genres, from poignant dramas to sharp-witted comedies.
A Filmmaker in Wartime
When World War II broke out, Zarzycki put his skills behind the camera to work for Poland. In 1939, he joined a film crew capturing the defence of Warsaw. Later, during the Warsaw Uprising in 1944, he became a key figure in producing wartime chronicles for the resistance, using the codename “Pik.”
These short films, created under the Home Army’s Bureau of Information and Propaganda, were more than just propaganda—they were vital pieces of history. While much of this work was lost during the war, its significance was recognized long after. In 2014, footage shot by Zarzycki was featured in Powstanie Warszawskie, a reconstruction of the uprising, earning him a posthumous nomination for the Polish Film Award.
Postwar Brilliance
After the war, Zarzycki returned to filmmaking with a renewed focus on stories about resilience and human struggle. His works, such as Miasto nieujarzmione (1950) and Ziemia (1956), explored the complexities of survival and the relationship between people and their surroundings.
From 1955 to 1961, he served as the artistic director of the film studio “Syrena,” where he mentored young filmmakers and helped shape the future of Polish cinema. His later films, including Kochankowie z Marony (1966) and Pogoń za Adamem (1970), showed that even late in his career, Zarzycki was unafraid to experiment with new ideas and techniques.
A Life and Legacy Remembered
Jerzy Zarzycki passed away on January 2, 1971, in Warsaw and was buried at the Powązki Military Cemetery. His contributions to Polish culture earned him several honours, including the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta and the Gold Cross of Merit.
More than 50 years later, Zarzycki’s work still resonates. His films capture the spirit of a generation and stand as a testament to the power of art in times of struggle. Whether documenting the chaos of war or exploring human resilience, his legacy reminds us of cinema’s ability to preserve history and spark emotion.