Known from films such as Corpus Christi, Hyacinth, and Leave No Traces, Ziętek portrays a naïve protagonist who dreams of winning Poland's most prestigious race, the Grand Warsaw, only to find himself entangled in a web of corruption and manipulation that challenges his idealistic beliefs.
Director Bartłomiej Ignaciuk, who also adapted the screenplay originally penned by Jan Purzycki in the 1980s, transports the action to the early 1990s—a time of significant transformation in Poland.
The move attempts to contextualize the story within a period of national change and revives a narrative once stifled by the communist regime due to fears of exposing corrupt practices in state-controlled horse racing.
Ignaciuk's adaptation marks the completion of a trilogy that includes the cult classics Wielki Szu and Piłkarski Poker.
He expressed enthusiasm about directing the film, noting his personal connection to the racecourse and the eclectic mix of characters whom the venue attracted during the '90s—private entrepreneurs to communist party dignitaries, in addition to ordinary fans of equestrian sports.
The production of Wielka Warszawska stands out as one of Poland's major film endeavors this year, featuring thousands of extras, hundreds of horses, and stunt performers. The principal actors have had months of horseback riding lessons to prepare for their roles.
The film will also incorporate 300 vintage cars and a range of costumes sourced from the renowned Czech film studio Barrandov, with significant digital editing required to recreate the streets of Warsaw as they appeared three decades ago.
The main filming location at the Służewiec Racetrack presents its own set of challenges, as it continues to operate as an active race venue. Adapting the space to reflect the era portrayed in the film adds another layer of complexity to the production.
The racetrack, opened in 1939, was considered Europe's most modern at the time.
Alongside Ziętek, the film features debuting actress Mary Pawłowska, as well as Marcin Bosak, Agnieszka Żulewska and Tomasz Kot.
The premiere of Wielka Warszawska is scheduled for next year.
(rt/gs)
Source: PAP