Poland – 115 mins – Drama

This dramatic love story offers an evocative convergence of romance, history, and politics in a rarely-told story of anti-semitism in 1960s communist Poland. Students Hania and Janek begin a whirlwind romance after meeting at a theatre performance one evening. They are ignorant of the political uprising around them: anti-semitism is on the rise, and the persecution of Jewish citizens is gaining momentum. Hania is Jewish, and her parents lose their jobs in the growing climate of hostility. With no money and no prospects for the future, her family decides to emigrate. But Hania does not want to leave. After Hania and Janek’s colleagues are expelled from the university and the government censors an upcoming theatrical production, the two decide to act. Compelled by their love, they participate in a protest to defend freedom of the theatre and freedom of speech, but police brutality and violence ensue, separating the young couple and threatening their future together.