Participation of the New Technology Division at the 16th International NNW Film Festival in Gdynia

The 16th International Film Festival “Unvanquished, Unbroken, Cursed” (NNW) took place in Gdynia. It is the largest event in Europe dedicated to historical and freedom-themed cinema. The event gathered witnesses of history, filmmakers, and viewers, offering film screenings, lectures, panel discussions, debates, and immersive history lessons. The New Technology Division presented its portfolio in this space.

IPN President Dr. Karol Nawrocki at the “Silencing the voice of freedom” debate

IPN President Dr. Karol Nawrocki participated in the debate “Silencing the voice of freedom.” The first part of the discussion focused on the situation of the Catholic Church and clergy in communist countries. Dr. Nawrocki highlighted the situation of the Church in Poland, particularly the fate of Blessed Father Jerzy Popiełuszko and Franciszek Blachnicki:

“In the context of the Catholic Church, it is encouraging that the persistence of prosecutors’ efforts, along with my personal involvement, has allowed us to determine, after so many years, that Father Blachnicki was murdered. We approach the case of Father Jerzy Popiełuszko with the same optimism, albeit regarding the matter rather than the tragic event.”

The second part of the discussion touched on the activities of the Institute of National Remembrance and similar institutions in the Czech Republic and Hungary, focusing on the challenges of preserving historical memory.

IPN New Technology Division Director Magdalena Hajduk in a panel discussion at the NNW Film Festival in Gdynia

Magdalena Hajduk, Director of the IPN New Technology Division, participated in the panel titled “Does Poland Need an Investment Game Changer?” Other invited guests included: journalist Małgorzata Sokołowska, researcher on the history of Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski and co-creator of the IPN bulletin, Dr. Marcin Zarzecki – Deputy Director of the History Stops Office, Marek Krakowski – Director of the Centre for the Meeting of Cultures in Lublin, Dr. Witold Mieszkowski – son of Stanisław Mieszkowski, the highest-ranking Polish Navy officer executed in Mokotów Prison in 1952, and Robin Barnett – former British Ambassador to Poland.

The discussion concluded that investments are needed not only in financial and operational terms but also in human capital. Such an investment can include promoting patriotic values, as love for one’s country encourages people to stay in Poland and work for the benefit of society.

“Door to Freedom” Award Presented by Magdalena Hajduk

The first recipient of the “Door to Freedom” award was Janusz Kapusta, a globally recognized Polish artist, sculptor, and inventor.
“Poland is the country I returned to summarize myself. For 50 years, I’ve exercised my imagination. Perhaps thanks to that, I created the most drawings for The New York Times. In the world’s most influential newspaper, drawings by 27 Poles appeared, second only to Romanians with 6 drawings. We don’t realize how important and exceptional we are,” said Janusz Kapusta.
The award was presented by Magdalena Hajduk, Director of the IPN New Technology Division.

New Technology Division Zone at the NNW Festival

In the New Technology Division space, all educational games and applications created for computers and VR (Virtual Reality) were showcased. Festival guests had the opportunity to learn more about immersive historical education and combine historical knowledge gained from films with educational gaming experiences. This fusion of educational games, films, and discussions creates entirely new possibilities for discussing the past and makes it easier to reach younger audiences. According to the research report “IMMERSIVE HISTORICAL EDUCATION – Towards New Educational Pathways,” young people expect modern educational methods.

Special guest at the New Technology Zone: WWII Veteran Captain Władysław Dąbrowski

The zone was visited by a special guest, 100-year-old Captain Władysław Dąbrowski, a veteran of the Battle of Monte Cassino, who wore VR glasses to watch an immersive VR film about the Ulma family. The captain was impressed by the new possibilities. His example shows that new educational technologies not only reach young people but also adults.

Film awards, workshops, and attractions at the 16th NNW International Film Festival in Gdynia

The festival provided an opportunity not only to explore films focused on totalitarianism, communism, and the fight for freedom but also to present awards and distinctions. The main prize in the Polish Documentary Competition, the Golden Obelisk, was awarded to Piotr Mielech’s film “My Situation is Particularly Difficult,” which tells the story of Father Jerzy Popiełuszko’s martyrdom and Jan Olszewski’s role as a co-prosecutor in the trial of the priest’s murderers.

In addition, over seventy film screenings took place during the 16th edition of the festival, along with meetings with filmmakers and witnesses of history. The IPN exhibition “Cinema and Theater Under German Occupation 1939–1945,” curated by Bartosz Januszewski, was also presented.

The 16th Edition of the NNW Film Festival Concludes

The festival has come to an end. We thank all guests for participating in the immersive history lessons in the New Technology Division Zone, especially Captain Władysław Dąbrowski. See you at the next edition of the festival!