The War Trilogy

Kanal

Kanał

A harrowing portrait of resistance fighters forced to flee the German army via Warsaw’s sewage system remains one of Wajda’s finest achievements.

  • Director

    Andrzej Wajda

  • With

    Teresa Iżewska, Tadeusz Janczar, Wieńczysław Gliński

  • Poland 1957. 96min

  • Digital (restoration)

  • Certificate

    12A

  • English subtitles

A unit of Polish freedom fighters goes underground to escape German troops, in the final stages of the 1944 Warsaw Uprising. Wajda’s claustrophobic, nightmarish masterpiece employs haunting images to convey their struggle as they journey through the city’s sewers. The film that brought international acclaim for the director, Kanal is based on true events. It is an evocative portrait of the Polish resistance movement and a heartbreaking depiction of strength, duty and hope in the face of insurmountable odds.

Restored by WFDIF.

The screening of Kanal on Sunday 15 February will include a pre-recorded intro by Professor Annette Insdorf, Columbia University.

Also available on BFI Player