Ashes and Diamonds (Andrzej Wajda, 1958)

Presented with a recorded introduction by director and film scholar Kuba Mikurda

Wheelchair accessible* | English and descriptive subtitles | Pay-what-you-can tickets (£2–12)

If the ticket or other costs, such as childcare or transport, make this screening unaffordable, please see details of our .

Set in the immediate aftermath of World War II, Andzej Wajda’s highly-stylised adaptation of Jerzy Andrzejewski’s iconic novel depicts the tragedy of a generation lost to the conflicts of their time.

Anchored by Zbigniew Cybulski’s captivating performance as Maciek – dubbed “The Polish James Dean” – Ashes & Diamonds tells the story of a young partisan soldier, tasked with assassinating a local communist secretary. When the mission goes awry, Maciek is forced to battle his increasing dissolution with the cause to which he has pledged his life and a chance at redemption through his entanglement with Krystyna, a local barmaid.

Through its unique visual style and striking symbolism, Ashes & Diamond expertly portrays the struggles of an increasingly disillusioned generation – and country – struggling to define their identity in the wake of calamity.

Content notes: death, war violence, sexual content, alcohol use

* Please note, The Lower Hall at the Pyramid at Anderston is wheelchair accessible through a ramp at a side entrance. There are 9 steps between the level where it is located and the rest of the venue, meaning that to make way to the accessible toilet or other parts of the building, wheelchair users will need to re-enter via the main entrance. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Host or Publisher Samizdat Eastern European Film Festival