Jerzy Hoffman, Natasza Urbańska, Sławomir Idziak; photo - PAP/Tomasz Gzell
President Bronislaw Komorowski was among the guests of honour at the screening in Warsaw's Grand Threatre, with many luminaries from the arts and politics taking part.
Realized by veteran director Jerzy Hoffman, who was nominated for an Oscar in 1974, the film focuses on the so-called “Miracle on the Vistula” - Poland's defeat of the Red Army shortly after the regaining of national independence.
The subject was strictly taboo during the communist era (1945-1989). However, in recent years, many themes that were formerly out of bounds have been supported by the Polish Film Institute.
“The fact that Poles made a film in 3D is not a miracle,” said Hoffman.
“We did it because we are able to find a way.”
The production ultimately cost over 27 million zloty (9 million dollars), a considerable sum by national standards. It was partly financed by the Polish Film Institute.
The cinematography was handled by award-winning cameraman Slawomir Idziak, who has spent much of the last seventeen years working in Hollywood.
Although the cost of The Battle of Warsaw was indeed sizeable, it pales beside that of Idziak's work with Ridley Scott – Black Hawk Down cost nine times more than Hoffman's epic, with a budget of 92 million dollars (299 million zloty).
However, Poland's Foreign Minister, Radoslaw Sikorski, who was also at the premiere, told Poland's Press Agency that he had high hopes that The Battle of Warsaw would succeed on the international stage.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as various institutes and embassies, have already received instructions to promote the film worldwide,” he said.
The film looks squarely aimed at a popular audience. Hoffman weaves a love story against the backdrop of conflict, with a young cavalry officer, played by Borys Szyc, called to the front shortly after proposing marriage. Seasoned performer Daniel Olbrychski plays the role of Marshal Pilsudski, Poland's military strongman.
The Battle for Warsaw 1920 goes on general release across Poland this Friday. (nh/pg)
Audio by Michał Kubicki