Salt of The Black Earth

(Sól ziemi czarnej)


1970   >   historical/ drama

A picturesque and clear-cut portrait of a family of an old miner, set against the backdrop of  freedom fighters battling  for Polish heritage in Silesia. The lead character’s family at the same time represents  Silesian folk tradition,  a focal point for patriotism and independency movements, yearning for a great and strong Poland.

It is 19120, two years after Poland regained its independence.  After unfavorable results of a referendum conducted  in an atmosphere of terror, the Third Silesian Uprising  begins , its aim being for Upper Silesia to join Poland. Seven Basista brothers, led by the eldest, Erwin, joint the fight for their hometown to become Polish. The youngest brother, Gabriel, comes by  a German uniform and gets across to the German side, where he falls in love with a nurse. Intense fighting takes place. The freedom fighters are aided by artillery lieutenant Sowiński. Sadly, during a mass offensive they take heavy losses and are forced to retreat to the border. The head of the family, old Basista, dies. Gabriel is wounded. Girls bring him across the border stream, where his three remaining brothers  await him.


Crew:

director
Kazimierz Kutz
script
Kazimierz Kutz
d.o.p.
Wiesław Zdort
designer
Bolesław Kamykowski
editor
Irena Choryńska
music
Wojciech Kilar
cast
Olgierd Łukaszewicz, Jan Englert,
Jerzy Bińczycki, Jerzy Cnota,
Wiesław Dymny, Bernard Krawczyk

Awards:

Łagów
Golden Grape (Lubusz Film Summer)
Łagów
Best screenplay- Lubusz Film Summer (Kazimierz Kutz)
Łagów
Best stage design- Lubusz Film Summer (Bolesław Kamykowski)
Łagów
Best cinematography- Lubusz Film Summer (Wiesław Zdort)
State Award of the 1st degree (Kazimierz Kutz)
Grenoble
Grand Prix (MSMiF)
Materials: HD
Length: 98’

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