Andrzej Wajda dies at 90

It is with deep sadness we note the passing of Andrzej Wajda, a leading Polish director, who in his portfolio has such movies as „Popiół i diament” (Ashes and Diamonds), „Człowiek z żelaza” (Man of Iron), „Człowiek z marmuru” (Man of Marble), „ Niewinni czarodzieje” (Innocent Sorcerers), „Kanal”, „Ziemia obiecana” (The Promised Land), and „Katyn”.

For the last 60 years, not only did Andrzej Wajda shape the consciousness of Polish film, but he made his mark on the history of Polish cinematography.

Some of his awards include: the Silver Palm in Cannes (Kanal), the FIPRESCI Award in Venice (Ashes and Diamonds), the Silver Shell in San Sebastian (The Wedding), the FIPRESCI Award in Cannes (Man of Marble) and the Golden Palm in Cannes (Man of iron). In 2000, he was awarded an honorary lifetime achievement  Oscar.

He believed “one has to do a lot in life to leave two or three achievements after death.” He made 40 films but, as he said, in his desk drawer he had even more ideas to complete. The most recent and, as it turns, the last work of the director, “Powidoki” (Afterimage) will be this year’s Poland’s Oscar candidate in the Best Foreign Language Film category.

“He lived the life of tomorrow.” He died at 90.

IP Blog Editorial