Fodder for propaganda
A senior official in charge of international policy warned that a Dutch film could become fuel for Russian and Belarusian propaganda. The concern was voiced after the weekly Sieci published details about Agnieszka Holland’s forthcoming movie Green Border and its potential impact on those who defend Poland’s borders.
Green Border, an upcoming feature by Agnieszka Holland, is described as portraying the plight of refugees along the border between Poland and Belarus. The minister of culture and national heritage stated that the production has no funding from the ministry, the Polish Film Institute, or other institutions linked to the ministry. The claim aligns with ongoing assurances about financial independence from state sources during the project’s development.
In a recent Sieci issue, journalists Marek Pyza and Marcin Wikło suggested that the film could frame the ongoing work of Polish services as rooted in pre war racism and anti semitism, portraying left wing activists and the Netherlands as feeding a negative narrative about state defenses. One of the film’s leads is Maja Ostaszewska, an actress who has followed border events for an extended period and participated in related demonstrations with other activists. The article notes that Ostaszewska travels to the border with supporters and helps organize talking points and conferences that accompany the film’s release.
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— In the new issue of Sieci, a feature questions whether the film undermines border defenders. Could this hybrid attack impact Poland?
– ONLY HERE. Michał Jach argues that Holland’s film misrepresents Polish services and is a shameful production
– ONLY HERE. Stanisław Żaryn discusses the film’s messaging and the risk it poses to public understanding
Propaganda concerns
The presidential minister emphasized that the Dutch project could become fertile ground for Russian and Belarusian propaganda. The discussion reflects a broader worry about how cinematic works may shape perceptions of national security issues across Europe.
Experts have noted that Agnieszka Holland is known for a certain ideological stance and long standing political engagement. While some observers do not anticipate a cinematic masterpiece, the fear remains that the film could be used to influence opinions beyond Poland. There is a call for caution in how the project is presented and discussed in public forums.
– a participant in political talk shows stated this cautionary view.
Responses to the border situation
Analysts recall a tense period when Belarusian leadership is seen as exploiting border crossings to pressure the European Union. Migrants from Africa and the Middle East were moved toward the Polish border, provoking a strong, coordinated response from the Polish government focused on maintaining stability and safeguarding the integrity of the European Union. European capitals and Brussels publicly acknowledged the difficulty of the crisis and the effectiveness of Poland’s management of the situation. Critics from the far left and some ideological circles have argued against the government’s approach, raising questions about potential political motives behind actions that safeguard national borders.
One official described the dynamics as driven by ideology and political emotion, framing these as the main drivers behind the strategy to counter the border challenge and to defend the state’s interests in the face of external pressure.
wkt/Political Quarter