Polish Oscar laureate Andrzej Wajda has expressed his support for the Masurian Lake District, the Polish finalist in the New7Wonders of Nature competition. Wajda, one of the most eminent film directors in Europe, offered Jacek Palkiewicz, the Ambassador of Masuria, these warm words of support:
“Whether through the films of the so-called Polish Film School or other endeavours, numerous artists, scholars and politicians for years made efforts in order for Poland to be noticed internationally.
Back in the day we strove hard to encourage Europe to appreciate Poland for its part in the history of the continent and its contribution to the war against the violence procured by Hitler and Stalin.
Nowadays, the borders are open and we are inviting not only those who are interested in our history, but also those who are willing to appreciate nature and its unique phenomena, and our Masuria can certainly be considered unique and worth appreciation.
When a Polish region takes part in the “New7Wonders of Nature” competition, we have to do everything to make sure that Masuria, with its beautiful landscapes, flora and fauna, uses its opportunity well.
I think that Jacek Palkiewicz will be the perfect Ambassador of Masuria!”.
Andrzej Wajda was born 6 March 1926. He is the son of a Polish cavalry officer murdered by the Soviets in 1940 in what came to be known as the Katyn massacre. Wajda is the most famous member of the “Polish Film School” and is known especially for a trilogy of war films: A Generation (1954), Kanal (1956) and Ashes and Diamonds (1958). Four of his works have been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Filml, and in 2000 Wajda received an honorary Oscar. Man of Iron won the Palme d’Or at the 1981 Cannes Film Festival. The film was made between the formation of the Solidarity trade union in August 1980 and its suppression in December 1981, and was remarkably critical of Poland’s Communist regime.