Wajda, Andrzej

Wajda, Andrzej (än`jā vī`dä), 1926–, Polish film director. His films are often studies of Poland's history and its recent or contemporary politics and often concentrate on the national yearning for freedom. They include A Generation (1954), Kanal (1957), Ashes and Diamonds (1958), Man of Marble (1977), Man of Iron (1981), Danton (1982), Korczak (1990), and Pan Tadeusz (1999). Wajda, who is also a theater director, was active in Polish politics after the end of Communist rule, serving in the senate (1989–91) and as chairman of the nation's Cultural Council (1992–94). In 2000 he received a special lifetime-achievement Academy Award.

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Wajda, Andrzej 

Born Mar. 6, 1926, in Suwarki. Polish director and scenarist.

Wajda studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow. In 1954 he graduated from the directing department of the State Higher School for Cinematography and the Theater Arts (Lódź). He began to work in films in 1951. The motion pictures The Sewer (1957, based on a short story by J. S. Stawinski) and Ashes and Diamond (1958), both dealing with World War II, brought Wajda wide recognition. In them he showed with great artistic force the fate of his own generation during an extremely crucial period in his nation’s history. His best films are notable for their realism, masterful direction, and excellent acting; they have received awards at international festivals. Wajda has also made the films The Flying One (1959), Samson (1961; after K. Brandys), Ashes (1965; after S. Zieromski), and Everything’s for Sale (1969). He teaches in the directing department of the State Higher School for Cinematography and the Theater Arts.

REFERENCES

Chernenko, M. Andzhei Vaida. Moscow, 1965.
Mruklik, B. Andrzej Wajda. Warsaw, 1969.