‘Promised Land / Ziemia obiecana’ dir. Andrzej Wajda (1975).

This historical drama is set during the late 19th century in Lódz, the cradle of the Polish textile industry, which seems to be a promising place for European migrants to Poland.

The film begins when three dispossessed but industrious men, a Pole, a Jew and a German set out to build their own factory. As one of them says, “I have nothing, you have nothing, he has nothing: this means we have enough to start a factory.”

But complicated relations in the world of manufacturers and a dangerous affair can destroy visionary plans.

‘Ziemia obiecana’ was the nickname of the city of Łódź , given by immigrants arriving in the industrial centre, searching for the prosperity promised by rapid modernization.

Viewers have commented that this film, made during the communist era, is also anti-capitalist.

Subtitles. Age 16+.  Thursday Midweek (138 min)