Contemporary Polish Documentaries on the Volhynian Tragedy: a Reinterpretation of the Historical Narrative
Współczesne polskie filmy dokumentalne o tragedii wołyńskiej: reinterpretacja narracji historycznej
Author(s): Olena RosinskaSubject(s): Language and Literature Studies
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Śląskiego
Keywords: documentary film; historical narrative; Volhynia; propaganda; collective memory; Polish-Ukrainian relations
Summary/Abstract: This article examines the narratives describing the 1943 events in Volhynia as portrayed in Polish and Ukrainian documentaryfilms. While documentaries are often regarded as objective sources of information, they also play a powerful role inshaping public consciousness and everyday historical understanding. The Volhynia events hold profound significance forboth Polish and Ukrainian audiences. However, the interpretations presented in these films reflect two divergent historicalperspectives. Analyzing these narratives – particularly the recurring themes and propaganda techniques – providesa deeper insight into how historical memory is constructed and exprssed. This process is vital for understanding currentPolish-Ukrainian relations. Additionally, viewer responses to the films are analyzed separately, as they reveal how historicalissues are politicized and emotionally charged, often being transferred uncritically into the present-day discourse.
Journal: Postscriptum Polonistyczne
- Issue Year: 35/2025
- Issue No: 1
- Page Range: 1-17
- Page Count: 17
- Language: English
