Ryszard Bugajski facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ryszard Bugajski
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| Born | 27 April 1943 Warsaw, Poland
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| Died | 7 June 2019 (aged 76) Warsaw, Poland
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| Education | National Film School in Łódź |
| Occupation | Film director, screenwriter |
| Years active | 1972–2019 |
| Spouse(s) | Maria Mamona |
Ryszard Bugajski (born April 27, 1943 – died June 7, 2019) was a famous Polish film director and screenwriter. He directed 23 films and television shows during his career, which started in 1972.
His 1982 film, Interrogation, was very important. It starred Krystyna Janda and Adam Ferency. Many people called it "the most anti-Communist film in the history of Poland's communist era." The Polish government banned it for several years. After the ban was lifted, it was shown at the 1990 Cannes Film Festival.
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Early Life and Film Journey
Ryszard Bugajski was born on April 27, 1943, in Poland, during a time when Germany occupied the country. His family faced a dangerous situation, but they were saved by a fortunate event. His father, Edward Bugajski, was part of a political group before the war. He told his family to hide in a safe place near Warsaw.
As a young person, Ryszard had many different interests. First, he wanted to be a musician. Then, he thought about becoming a painter. He wasn't sure what career he wanted when he finished high school. He studied philosophy at the University of Warsaw for three years. One day, he accidentally watched the film 8½. This movie made him want to become a filmmaker.
He was accepted to study directing at the National Film School in Łódź. He graduated from this school in 1973.
Making Films and Facing Challenges
In 1976, Ryszard Bugajski joined the X Film Unit. This group was led by the famous director Andrzej Wajda. While there, Bugajski directed films like A Woman and a Woman and Classes.
In 1981, he made his full-length movie, Interrogation. The government's censors banned this film. They said its message did not fit with the political rules in Poland. This happened after martial law was put in place. Because of this, the X Film Unit was officially closed down.
In 1985, Bugajski decided to move to Canada. There, he directed popular television shows. The movie Interrogation finally had its official premiere in December 1989. This was after the collapse of communism in Poland. Ryszard had kept the film alive by making copies. He shared these copies for secret showings in places like church basements.
Awards and Recognition
Ryszard Bugajski received many awards for his films. These include the Golden Grape Award and a Special Award at the Gdynia Film Festival. He also won the Silver Hugo Award at the Chicago International Film Festival.
In June 2008, he was given the Officer's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta. This award recognized his important work in helping Poland become a democracy. It also honored his achievements in his professional and social life.
In October 2008, he received the Golden Medal for Merit to Culture - Gloria Artis. The Minister of Culture and National Heritage, Bogdan Zdrojewski, presented him with this medal.
Ryszard Bugajski passed away on June 7, 2019, in Warsaw, after a long illness.
Selected Films
- Kobieta i kobieta (1979)
- Interrogation (made in 1982, released in 1989)
- Clearcut (1990)
- Gracze (1995)
- The Death of Captain Pilecki (2006)
- Generał Nil (2009)
- Układ zamknięty (2013)
- Blindness (2016)
See also
- Cinema of Poland
- List of Poles
