“Green Border” – a political manifesto that taught Poles empathy?

In the face of the migration crisis on the Polish-Belarusian border, the film “Green Border” by Agnieszka Holland its aim was to shed light on the difficult situation of immigrants and inspire deeper reflection and empathy among Polish society. According to the screenwriters, Gabriela Łazarkiewicz-Sieczko and Maciej Pisuk, this image was intended not only to inform, but also to cause specific social effects.

“The Green Border”, an attempt to show reality

By setting the premiere of “The Green Border” just before the autumn parliamentary elections and the referendum on immigration, the creators hoped that their work would influence the way the crisis was perceived. Pisuk emphasized in interviews that the film was not propaganda, but an attempt to show reality in a way that made one think and react to evil.

To some extent it was an intervention film and, at least for me, it was (…) a kind of political manifesto that would have its own specific social consequences. (…) The idea was to stop this practice. It seems to me that this is the goal of engaged art.

Both in Poland and during international festivals, “The Green Border” was met with mixed reactions. In the country, it aroused controversy, especially among politicians from the United Right camp they considered the film an attack on the Polish government, its policies and the Border Guard. However, according to the creators, these controversies only confirm the need for works that provoke discussion and reflection on important social issues.

The film was not intended to indicate who to vote for in the elections

During the 12th edition of the Script Fiesta Festival, which took place at the Warsaw Film School, “Green Border” was widely discussed. Panelists, including Łazarkiewicz-Sieczko and Pisuk, talked about how the scenario, which is a reaction to political events, can contribute to social changes. The creators also added that the film was not intended to indicate who to vote for in the upcoming elections.

The filmmakers maintain that they still believe in its relevance and the need to raise the problems presented in “The Green Border”. During the panel discussion at the Script Fiesta Festival, the screenwriters emphasized that although the situation on the border is still problematic, the film contributed to the increase of awareness and empathy in society.