A feature film on the life, pastoral work and the murder of the Solidarity priest, Father Jerzy Popieluszko, is to go on general release later this month. We look ahead to what is one of the most eagerly awaited Polish films of the last two decades.

Father Popieluszko, now on a fast track to beatification, was the best known of the many priests who identified themselves with the Solidarity movement. After the imposition of martial law, he organized material aid for the families of the interned Solidarity activists and spoke openly in the defence of human rights and freedoms. On October 19, 1984 he was abducted, tortured and murdered by communist secret police officers.

The film, directed by Rafał Wieczyński, with Adam Woronowicz in the main role, took seven months to make. Almost seven thousand extras took part in the scenes of the funeral and Solidarity demonstrations. In addition to leading Polish actors appearing in supporting roles, Cardinal Glemp plays himself in the scenes which re-enact the real conversations he had with Father Popieluszko.

Click on the audio icon to listen to the report by Michał Kubicki.