“The Green Border,” directed by Agnieszka Holland, has found itself at the center of a maelstrom in Poland. The committee’s decision to select this film for consideration at the 2024 Oscars has ignited a fierce debate. Poland’s right-wing government, known for its strong stance on various issues, has taken drastic actions, including requiring theaters to run a government-approved warning video before showing the film.
The Plot and Impact of “The Green Border”
- Film’s Premise “The Green Border” is a fictionalized depiction of real-life events on the Polish-Belarusian border. It portrays the plight of refugees, mainly from North Africa and the Middle East, who found themselves stranded and starving in the treacherous forests between the two countries. These migrants were lured there by Belarusian propaganda promising them easy passage into the European Union, only to be caught when the Polish government decided to close the border.
- Political Divide The film’s screening in Venice, where it won a special jury prize, and its subsequent presentation in Toronto, amplified its impact. In Poland, however, the film has deepened the existing political divide. It has become a lightning rod for debates on immigration, border security, and the treatment of refugees, exacerbating already polarized opinions within the country.
Government’s Response
- Initial Criticism Even before the film’s premiere, Poland’s right-wing government launched a scathing attack on “The Green Border.” Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro went so far as to compare the film to “Nazi propaganda,” citing its supposed negative portrayal of Polish border guards. President Andrzej Duda, in a TV appearance, called for a boycott of the movie.
- Boycott and Warning Video In a move to counter the film’s narrative, Poland’s interior minister, Błażej Poboży, announced that a government-produced video contradicting Holland’s portrayal of events would be shown before every screening of “The Green Border.” This effort to discredit the film’s content raised questions about freedom of expression in Poland.
Audience Response
- Audience Turnout Despite the controversy and government efforts to deter viewership, “The Green Border” attracted a significant audience. Local distributor Kino Świat reported that 137,000 people turned out to watch the film during its first weekend in theaters. This demonstrates that the film’s themes resonated with many, despite the government’s criticism.
Alternative Submission: “The Peasants”
In an unexpected turn of events, Poland’s Oscar committee chose “The Peasants,” an animated literary adaptation from the directors of “Loving Vincent,” DK and Hugh Welchman, as the country’s submission for the best international feature category at the 2024 Oscars. Agnieszka Holland praised “The Peasants,” calling it an “excellent, artistically creative film.” She acknowledged that the committee had a strong alternative choice and emphasized that it was not a piece of propaganda.
Conclusion
“The Green Border” has become more than just a film; it’s a focal point in a larger discussion about politics, immigration, and artistic expression in Poland. The controversy surrounding it has highlighted the growing divide in the nation. Despite government efforts to deter viewership, the film has found an audience that resonates with its themes. The selection of “The Peasants” as an alternative submission provides an intriguing twist to this cinematic tale.
