7 Must-Watch Documentaries about Poland

Intro: Documentaries about Poland

Poland has a long and tumultuous story, rich in culture and ever-changing. At the crossroads of Central Europe, this country has been swayed by many political, spiritual and artistic forces across its history; from the Medieval Piast dynasty to various imperial occupations, right through the Nazi rule of terror and the oppressive Communist regime, culminating with the development of Solidarity and eventually the EU. It is also home to famous figures in art, science, literature and sport - like Chopin, Copernicus, Marie Curie and Robert Lewandowski.

From its stunning medieval architecture and charming towns to its natural beauty and world-famous cuisine, Poland is a country that should be on every traveler's bucket list. If you are looking to learn more about this unique place and its inhabitants, watch documentaries on Poland. These productions give us an idea of what present-day Poland experiences; their successes and conflicts both past and present, as well as a new viewpoint on the beauty and variety that forms the backdrop of the nation and its culture.

So, whether you're an armchair traveler or planning your next adventure, dive into this list of documentaries and discover why Poland is such an outstanding and interesting place. You won't be disappointed!

1. Wild Poland - Europe's Nature Reserve - Documentaries about Poland

Poland is an expansive country that boasts immense, breathtaking preserves. No other nation in Europe can boast more national parks than what Poland has to offer. From the Baltic's towering sand dunes to the captivating Masurian Lakeland, from the Biebrza and Narew rivers to the misty ancient woodlands and the soaring crags of the Southern Mountains—there is truly something for everyone! Poland's unceasingly diverse landscape will leave you enthralled.

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2. Poland Rediscovered: Kraków, Auschwitz, and Warsaw - Documentaries on Poland

Kraków's vibrant Baroque architecture and picturesque cobbled streets are quickly rising in popularity, rivaling that of the ever-popular Prague. Visiting Auschwitz is a humbling and thoughtful experience, as we look back at the devastation caused by WWII. Now, Warsaw has been fully restored and is bustling with life, making it an ideal destination.

3. Warsaw Rising: The Forgotten Soldiers of World War II - Documentaries about Poland

A documentary film that uses archival footage and interviews with veterans to depict the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, a heroic but tragic attempt by the Polish resistance to liberate their city from Nazi occupation

4. Poland : The Road Of Revival - Poland Documentary

Poland has a long history, with its people experiencing adversity for centuries and overcoming against all odds. Pierre Brouwers set out to capture this story, recording the changing landscape of Poland, along with its people's determination to progress. From Warsaw to Auschwitz and Elblag Canal to Gorges of Dunajec, this documentary paints a vivid picture of a country in transition. Bison of Borecka Forest, Storks, Malbork Castle, Sopot, the Baltic Dunes, Kazimierz Dolny, Lublin, Zamosh, Gdansk, Krakow, Wieliczka Salt Mines, Lodz, Zakopane, Carpathian Mountains, Debno, Chocholow, and the Flower Festival are just some of the many highlights that await. An aerial view offers an even more expansive perspective into the past and present of Poland.

5. Communist Poland Documentary - Documentaries on Poland

Experience a visual time-travel back to 1965 Warsaw! Join us as we explore the everyday lives of its citizens and uncover what it was like living in Poland during this period.

6. Fryderyk Chopin - Documentary about the life of Frédéric Chopin - Documentary on Poland

Drawing on the power of epistolary writing, this documentary provides an insightful portrait of the life and work of renowned composer Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849). Growing up in Żelazowa Wola, Poland but strongly influenced by three major cultures of the era – Italian, Austro-German and French – Chopin absorbed a profound understanding of music tradition.

To transport audiences to the places that informed his imagination, from rural Poland to Paris, footage of Żelazowa Wola, Szafarnia, Torun and Warsaw is used to recreate the Traditional Polish folklore which deeply resonates with Chopin. As one of the most important characters in Western culture, it is clear why the world's most prominent piano competition memorializes his memory.

7. Second World War: Poland Invasion - Documentaries about Poland

On the 1st of September 1939, Poland was invaded, and the Nazi forces led by Hitler seemed unstoppable. Thousands of innocent civilians were ruthlessly massacred by the German air force, and within two weeks, Warsaw was surrounded. Julien Brien, an American photographer and cameraman who visited the beleaguered capital, urged President Roosevelt to intervene in a broadcast on Polish radio - yet the United States, Britain and France remained inactive despite the declaration of war against Germany. This was the war that Hitler had always wanted, and would ultimately go down in history as one of the greatest tragedies of all time. Join us in our documentary as we chart how World War II broke out and became so devastatingly destructive.