'Popieluszko. Freedom is within us' movie poster

"Popieluszko. Freedom is within us" - the most awaited Polish movie of this year premieres today at the Great Theater in Warsaw.

The movie depicts the life and a martyr's death of Fr. Jerzy Popieluszko, chaplain of the Solidarity freedom movement abducted, tortured and brutally murdered by functionaries of the communist regime twenty five years ago.

The story starts with the childhood of the priest, moves on to show his youth when he was drafted to the obligatory communist military service, becomes a priest and heroic chaplain of the Solidarity movement, who defies the regime by preaching the truth, peace and justice. The story is set against the historic background: nationwide strikes and freedom rallies brutally crushed by communists during the martial law.

It took seven months to complete the movie. "Popiełuszko. Freedom is within us" was shot in 14 Polish cities and featured over seven thousand actors and extras.

Click on the audio icon to listen to the report by Joanna Najfeld.

Fr. Jerzy Popieluszko