Poland’s conservative government has announced plans to launch a “special advertising” before cinema screenings of the film “Green Border”, an award-winning film that recounts their plight refugees on its borders Poland with Belarus, in an attempt by the ruling party, less than a month before crucial elections, to defend his immigration policy.
Directed by Polish director Agnieszka Hollandthe film has sparked angry reactions from conservatives in the countryahead of its premiere in Polish cinemas tomorrow Friday.
The black-and-white film tells the story of a Syrian family and an Afghan woman who are sent back and forth across the border, facing brutal treatment by border guards who are indifferent to their plight, while activists try to help the refugees and get them to safety.
Immigration has emerged as a central campaign issue ahead of parliamentary elections on October 15, with the nationalist ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party arguing that only its government can guarantee border security.
PiS also argues that the film’s depiction of what happens to migrants crossing into Poland from the country’s eastern border shames those who protect Poland.
Home Secretary Blazey Pomposi called the film a “disgusting slander”.
“In art theaters across Poland, screenings (of the film) will be preceded by a special advertisement for elements absent from the film“, the deputy minister told reporters.
“Our ads show the context of the hybrid (border) operation and the course of this operation and what solutions we have introduced to ensure the safety of Polish women and men“, he added.
It has not yet been made clear on what basis cinemas will show the ad.
Migrants began pouring into Poland’s eastern border in 2021 after Russia’s ally Belarus opened travel agencies in the Middle East offering an unofficial route to Europe – a move Brussels said was designed to create an artificial crisis. Polish authorities refused to allow migrants to cross the border.
The film “Green Border”, which won the Special Jury Prize at this year’s Venice Film Festival, tells the story of refugees, charities, activists and border guards whose lives intersect in the frozen, swampy forests between the two countries.
Director Holland previously dismissed criticism of the film, saying the film is “an effort to give a voice to the voiceless».
Source: News Beast
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