A Light Take on the Heavy Industry of the Second Polish Republic - Set no. 1
Many films made during the interwar period depicted various industrial plants in the reborn Polish state. Some of them are newly built, while others are old pre-war factories. Films of that king were not only a great fit for the then prevailing fascination with automation and industrialization, but also showcased and promoted the development of the industry and economy of the budding state. The FINA archive houses about a dozen such films, both documentary and commercial, dating back to the silent film era. Not much is known about them, for instance, their creators or the exact date they were produced; they are often damaged and incomplete. However, today, after a hundred years, they are an invaluable and unique relic of that era.
Textile industry
Poland, mid-1930s. , 20'
Director: unknown
Producer: Film Institute of the Polish Telegraphic Agency
DCP copy from 2025, B&W, 16 fps
Source: FINA
As the introductory intertitle states, “This film illustrates the production of cotton fabric, from the supply of raw materials, through the various departments of a modern factory, to the shipment of the finished product.” It enables the audience to witness not only the production process taking place in an impressive hall housing thousands of weaving machines, but also fabric finishing and pattern printing.
Advertisement for firelighters for wood and coal "One-Two-Five"
Poland, around 1927, 4'
Director: unknown
DCP copy from 2025, B&W, 18 fps
Source: FINA
What is the meaning of the mysterious “1-2-5” signals coming from outer space? Why is there coal flaming up on the Moon? The reliable "One-Two-Five" firelighters for wood and coal are the answer! This is the oldest preserved Polish commercial film in FINA’s collection, which has been digitally restored. Unfortunately, both its production team and the cast remain anonymous.
PePeGe. Polish Rubber Company in Grudziadz
Poland, the 1920s
Director: unknown
35mm copy from 1987, B&W, 16 fps
Source: FINA
A documentary on the PePeGe – Polish Rubber Company factory in Grudziądz and its Wąbrzeźno branch, depicting rubber manufacturing and the operation of factory sections producing bicycle tubes, shoe soles, footwear, and raincoats , culminating in a presentation of raincoats and stylish new rubber boots.
Tomaszów Artificial Silk Factory Company
Poland, approx. 1920–1924, 9'
Director: unknown
copy from 1980, B&W, 16 fps
Source: FINA
A documentary on the operation and the facilities of the artificial silk factory in Tomaszów. Apart from showing the facilities, interiors, and immediate surroundings of the factory, the film also presents the workers' estate and the everyday life of their families.
By Michał Pieńkowski
THURSDAY | SEPTEMBER 18 | 8:00 PM | MAŁA CZARNA
introduction: Michał Pieńkowski
KUP BILET
