Andrzej Wajda at 100

A Film Retrospective at Webster University | September 17–27, 2026

2026 marks the centenary of the birth of Andrzej Wajda (1926–2016), one of Poland’s most influential filmmakers and a major figure in world cinema.

Over a career spanning more than six decades, Wajda used film to explore Poland’s history and national identity, the experiences of war and political upheaval, and the difficult moral choices faced by individuals living through turbulent times.

Saint Louis Polonia encourages our members and friends to take advantage of a special opportunity to experience Wajda’s work on the big screen as Webster University marks the centennial of his birth with a retrospective featuring six of his films.

The series opens Thursday, September 17, at 7:00 p.m. with Kanał, Wajda’s powerful film depicting members of the Polish Home Army during the final days of the 1944 Warsaw Uprising.

The retrospective continues through September 27 with Ashes & Diamonds, The Promised Land, Man of Marble, Man of Iron, and Danton — works spanning several decades of Wajda’s extraordinary career.

Wajda’s Films — History, Memory and Identity

For members of our Polish-American community, this retrospective offers more than an introduction to a great filmmaker. Wajda’s films engage with some of the defining experiences of modern Polish history and with questions of memory, identity, political power and individual responsibility that continue to resonate across generations.

Each screening will be introduced by Natalia Kaniasty, filmmaker and Assistant Professor of Film, Television and Video Production at Webster University. As the daughter of Polish immigrants, she brings a personal perspective to Wajda’s films and their connection to Polish family and national narratives.

For additional perspective, read Natalia Kaniasty’s article, “Framing Family and National Narratives Through Andrzej Wajda’s Cinema.”

Screening Schedule

Thursday, September 17 — Kanał
Tuesday, September 22 — Ashes & Diamonds
Thursday, September 24 — The Promised Land
Friday, September 25 — Man of Marble
Saturday, September 26 — Man of Iron
Sunday, September 27 — Danton

All screenings begin at 7:00 p.m.
Winifred Moore Auditorium, Webster University
470 E. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, Missouri

We hope members and friends of Saint Louis Polonia will take this opportunity to see — or rediscover — the work of one of Poland’s most important filmmakers on the big screen.

READ NATALIA KANIASTY’S ARTICLE
Framing Family and National Narratives Through Andrzej Wajda’s Cinema

VIEW FILM SCHEDULE & DETAILS
Webster University Film Series