Pomerania is a very attractive region and the ideal location to make films. Gdańsk boldly mixing its historical and modern features, Sopot as a dream resort attracting beach tourists, the port in Gdynia, picturesque seaside towns such as Hel and Jastarnia are only a few Pomeranian venues in full demand by filmmakers. So many productions have been made here that it’s impossible to name them all and we provide you only with the selected ones worth paying attention to because of their popularity, their special place in film history or the plot closely related to the events important to the region or the country in general.
Man of Tricity
Man of Marble by Andrzej Wajda and Man of Iron – its sequel, both with Janda and Radziwiłowicz playing the main roles, are beyond a doubt the films that paved their way into the pantheon of cinema. The first one tells the story of a bricklayer who was dragged into the propaganda of the communist era and the second is about the events of August 1980. The films were made, among other locations, in Gdańsk Shipyard, in Gdynia train station and the viaduct with a view of the factory premises.
Wałęsa: Man of Hope is the third part of the trilogy. This biopic was filmed many years later, in 2014 and portrays a certain period in life of the legend of the workers’ movement – Lech Wałęsa. Beside the main character, Gdańsk with its shipyard area are prominently featured in the film.
December of 1970
Continuing on the subject of the significant events of the last few decades, we encourage you to watch Black Thursday directed by Antoni Krauze. It’s a reconstruction of the incidents that took place on 17 December 1970 when after a wave of protests in relation to soaring grocery prices 18 people were killed and hundreds of shipyard workers were injured. You’ll recognise the streets of Gdynia and the vicinity of Gdynia Stocznia train station.
The birth of Gdynia
Speaking of Gdynia, it’s worth it to catch Born of the Sea. The film made in 2009 reveals the birth of the city. It’s set in the spring of 1923 when Gdynia is still a small fishing village till it’s granted city rights three years later. With the rise of Gdynia in the background, we’re witnesses to the first meeting of the main characters, their wedding and the birth of their daughter. The film was shot inHel, Wejherowo, Łeba, Skierniewice, in a museum in Kluki and above all in the Tricity.
A knight's tale
Going back in time even further, why not give it a go and watch Knights of the Teutonic Order filmed in Pomerania? Who doesn’t remember it from childhood? Back then we didn’t even realise it was filmed in other places. The historical battle of Grunwald was recreated in the vicinity of Rywald and Kolincz. Also, not far from Starogard on lake Jamertal Jurand’s dwelling was built. While the field in Godziszewo is where the commander of Szczytno committed suicide. The scenes with knights of the Teutonic Order were filmed at the Malbork Castle.
Hardships of Pomerania
What if we want to watch more recent releases? The Butler from 2018 with Borys Szyc and Sebastian Fabijański will be a great choice. It’s set in the first half of the 20th century until the end of World War II, although the shots from Gdańsk are used in the portrayal of 1930s. The film shows relations and conflicts between Polish, German and Kashubian people as well as the painful history of this part of Pomerania and its inhabitants. The visual details and the fates of the main characters will remain with us for a long time.
James Bond, Jack Bauer... Jack Strong!
Jack Strong is an action film with Marcin Dorociński and Maja Ostaszewska in the main roles which tells the story of one of the most fascinating spy affairs. Colonel Ryszard Kukliński successfully served in Polish People’s Army for two decades but after the brutal intervention during the strike of shipyard workers in Gdańsk, he became a secret CIA agent. Beside Washington, Moscow, Legnica and Warsaw, the film was also made in Gdańsk.
Love is in the air
We are finishing of with a bit of romance. If all you need is to unwind, you may enjoy Love is Everything, a rom-com about a group of people whose paths intertwine with one another during the Christmas period. Obviously similarity with the British Love Actually is intentional. The plot takes place in Tricity which is even more photogenic in fairytale-like winter settings. The Long Market, Motława River, The Tricity Bypass are only some of the locations shown in the film.
Pomerania is the perfect place for making films. Especially Tricity with its bewildering mixture of history and modernity inspires filmmakers and encourages them to be chosen for shooting. As a result we can do sightseeing and visit locations from our favourite productions at the same time.