‘Dark night of martial law’ is the term used to refer to the time following 13 December 1981 in communist Poland. However, the period of state-imposed terror targeting the Solidarity movement had other faces, too. On the basis of exclusively archival footage, including less known materials, the film explores the backstage of the past events. To the rhythm of snare drums, it shows the everyday life of the country’s residents, the operations of its propaganda and army. By giving a stage to diverse voices of the street and contrasting parades, riots and carnival celebrations, it undermines the mythicised image of Polish society as a victim of the system. The film is presented in the national and international competitions.

The screening of Polish films within the SOLIDARITY ON SCREEN section is organized in cooperation with the Adam Mickiewicz Institute as part of the international cultural program of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2025.