Jan Komasa. Photo: Gdynia Film Festival/Krzysztof Mystowski
“We felt we needed to say something that was going to be heard by everybody, not just Poles,” Komasa told Polish Radio's English Section at the 39th Gdynia Film Festival.
“The meaning is basically very pure and simple: it's the fight for freedom and dignity.
“We need to remember that the order we have is very fragile,” the director stressed, citing the ongoing Ukrainian crisis.
“Six months ago I was making commercials in Kiev.
“And suddenly they started to kill each other on a daily basis.”
Warsaw 44 is the 32-year-old director's second feature film, following the critically acclaimed Suicide Room (2011).
His new film follows a group of young insurgents through the 63 days of the rising against the Nazi German occupiers.
After initial victories, euphoria turns to desperation as it becomes clear that nominal ally the Red Army is not going to help liberate the city, despite Stalin's soldiers being within sight of the conflict.
Warsaw 44. Image: Akson Studio
There were some dissenting voices as to whether a fresh-faced director could master the subject, but veteran film-maker Andrzej Wajda, whose 1957 movie Kanal is considered a classic on the rising, proved to be a staunch supporter.
Wajda, who described Komasa's debut Suicide Room as one of the best Polish movies of recent years, visited the film set last year.
“He said: 'Good luck – I know how it feels, everyone is watching you... Good luck and be brave – don't compromise,” Komasa recalled.
Warsaw 44 is one of 13 Polish films competing for the Golden Lions at the Gdynia Film Festival. The festival ends this weekend. (nh)