What happens when a celebrated writer, reluctant to leave his lavish life in Warsaw, is forced to embark on an unexpected journey? Rarepublic is a fictionalized tale of Poland’s golden interwar period, where Tadeusz Dołęga-Mostowicz—celebrated author of The Career of Nicodemus Dyzma—finds himself blackmailed by his publisher into a trip he desperately wants to avoid. Accompanied by an ambitious assistant, whose no-nonsense attitude he manages to offend immediately, this road story uncovers a kaleidoscope of pre-war Poland’s greatest characters, industries, and unbreakable spirit.
What if history hadn’t derailed Poland’s rise? What if the unstoppable energy of the interwar years had been allowed to flourish? Rarepublic isn’t just a short film—it’s a cinematic time machine, propelling you into the golden years of the II Republic of Poland, when the country was rebuilding itself with unmatched speed, ambition, and innovation.
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A Global Hit at Film Festivals
Since its premiere, Rarepublic has been a festival favorite, earning awards and applause worldwide. It proudly boasts accolades from:
- South Film and Arts Festival
- Philadelphia Independent Film Festival
- Calcutta International Cult Festival
These honors celebrate a film that’s as bold as the era it portrays.
Poland’s Interwar Boom: Rebuilding Dreams
The interwar period was nothing short of miraculous. After 123 years of erasure, Poland returned to the world map with fire in its veins. The II Republic wasn’t just rebuilding—it was reinventing itself.
Take Gdynia, for example: a modern port city that rose from a tiny fishing village to a hub of international trade in just a few years. It’s the perfect symbol of Poland’s resilience, innovation, and audacity.
The Visionaries Who Defined an Era
Behind every golden age are the trailblazers who make it happen. Rarepublic celebrates the bold thinkers who transformed Poland during the 1920s and 1930s.
- Jan Wedel wasn’t just a chocolate magnate; he was a pioneer of corporate responsibility. His factories weren’t just workplaces—they were communities, complete with employee benefits, cultural events, and even an orchestra. Wedel wasn’t just selling chocolate; he was crafting trust and pride in Polish quality.
- Father Maksymilian Kolbe, often remembered for his wartime heroism, was a powerhouse of innovation in peacetime. He created the wildly popular magazine Rycerz Niepokalanej (The Knight of the Immaculate), reaching millions of readers. Kolbe’s modernized printing techniques and groundbreaking ideas turned his spiritual mission into a cultural movement.
These figures represent the boundless optimism of an era that believed anything was possible.
Making the Impossible Possible
Rarepublic itself is a testament to the power of determination. The script, co-written by me and Miłosz Lodowski, was born in a whirlwind of creativity—sometimes in my studio, sometimes over coffee in the historic Iluzjon cinema.
With just two months to bring the film to life, we poured everything into it. From scripting to selecting archival footage that captures the elegance, energy, and ambition of the era, every detail was meticulously chosen to honor the 80th anniversary of World War II’s outbreak.
Rare Footage, Real Stories
The heart of Rarepublic lies in its stunning archival footage. It’s a vibrant snapshot of an era when Poland was alive with energy. Imagine racetracks packed with spectators, seaside resorts buzzing with laughter, and construction sites where entire cities seemed to rise overnight.
The film doesn’t shy away from showing the glamour either—confident women, cutting-edge fashion, and a society driven by ambition and pride.
What Could Have Been?
Here’s the million-dollar question: what would Poland have achieved if war hadn’t stopped its momentum? Rarepublicasks this and more, challenging viewers to reflect on the power of resilience and the cost of disruption.
An Audience That Needed This Story
Rarepublic has resonated deeply with audiences who have longed for a film that brings Poland’s interwar brilliance to life. The public response has been overwhelming, with viewers expressing heartfelt gratitude and admiration for the story, the visuals, and the performances.
Under the trailer, the comments speak volumes about the film’s impact:
- “A rare black-and-white gem. An elegant story, beautiful cinematography, and outstanding actors.”
- “Thank you so much to the creators!”
- “I’ve been waiting since the Polish Radio interview. Finally, it’s here… a wave of nostalgia.”
- “Touching 💞 Full of humor, beautiful people, and wise messages.”
- “An extraordinary masterpiece. This story has been with me since childhood. It’s as if someone captured a piece of our collective memory… A beautiful, industrious, and noble—but lost—homeland. Rarepublic revives that image like a Phoenix rising from the ashes. My heartfelt thanks for this film. My regards.”
These responses underline that Rarepublic isn’t just a film—it’s a piece of cultural and emotional history that speaks to something profoundly personal and collective. The film has offered viewers not only a window into the past but also a sense of connection, pride, and inspiration for the future. It’s clear that audiences needed this story, and they’ve embraced it wholeheartedly.
Credits
- Screenplay: Danuta Nierada, Miłosz Lodowski
- Director: Tomasz Dobosz
- Cinematography: Marcin Magiera
- Music: Artur Słotwiński, Adam Baron
- Editing: Andrzej Kowalski, Monika Żerkowska
- Production Design: Alicja Antoszczyk
- Costume Design: Monika Ugrewicz, Katarzyna Śródka, Filip Wakuła
- Creative Producer: Danuta Nierada
- Production:Szymon Gonera (Executive Producer) Katarzyna Rup (Production Management), Sylwia Idzkiewicz-Lichocka (Production Management), Mariusz Laszuk (Producer)
- Main Cast:
- Patryk Szwichtenberg as Tadeusz Dołęga-Mostowicz
- Agata Różycka as Diana
- Marek Karpowicz as Melchior Wańkowicz
- Andrzej Szeremeta as Father Maksymilian Kolbe
- Szymon Mysłakowski as Janusz Kusociński
- Robert Talarczyk as Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski
- Marek Siudym as Marian Dąbrowski
- Alicja Sajewicz as Hanka Ordonówna (voice)
- Antonina Jarnuszkiewicz as Girl on the Street
- Awards: South Film and Arts Festival, Philadelphia Independent Film Festival, Calcutta International Cult Festival
Watch the Rarepublic Film >>
Ready to experience the golden era of the II Republic of Poland? Watch Rarepublic now on YouTube.
Gallery
Cinamagraphs & Photos by Cezary Pomykało
