The conversation around the film The Green Border has sparked intense debate in Poland, even as many citizens have not yet had a chance to see it. The discussion has quickly become a point of contention among opposition figures who are crafting their responses to the production. Those in power view the Dutch film through the lens of the director’s public statements and her portrayal of the situation at the Polish-Belarusian border.
Recently, Donald Tusk, leader of the Civic Platform, spoke in defense of The Green Border and the Netherlands. Meanwhile, Michał Kobosko, a member of the Warsaw-based Third Way coalition (a partnership formed by Polska 2050 led by Szymon Hołownia and PSL, which represents rural interests), shared a lengthy post along with a photo featuring Agnieszka Holland on Instagram.
The film is described as significant and emotionally impactful, capable of provoking strong reactions. It presents a humanistic depiction of migration and the experiences of people moving across borders, a theme that has grown increasingly visible across Europe. Some supporters fear that the ruling party could attempt to exploit the film for political gain, portraying Agnieszka Holland as an adversary of the nation. The public is reminded that power dynamics often seek to shape narratives in times of controversy, while the democratic process remains a core consideration.
In his Instagram post, Kobosko noted that the director has faced intense backlash and even threats to her safety. He urged observers and commentators to watch the film before passing judgment, calling on political operatives and party supporters to approach the work with an open mind.
He emphasized the country’s security as a top priority, while also affirming the dignity and rights of every person. The message reinforced the belief that borders must be secure, but human beings deserve respect and the chance to live with dignity.
— He concluded by stating that if a person faces danger elsewhere, they may seek safety in another country. He stopped short of endorsing open borders for non-European arrivals, stressing that laws and procedures must be observed while upholding the collective conscience of the nation.
“The Third Way’s countryside strategy”
Some observers argue that a candidate aligned with the PSL, who sometimes references historical figures like Wincenty Witos, might not gain traction from a photo with a prominent director. This perspective has led to a broader debate about the party’s electoral strategy and its appeal to rural voters in eastern Poland.
The response from Cezary Kaźmierczak of the Association of Entrepreneurs and Employers was pointed, voicing irony on social media about the potential political impact of the Instagram post and suggesting that the Third Way had chosen a path that would appeal to rural constituencies.
Kobosko’s message was described by supporters as a heartfelt and emotive statement. Critics contend that the post may not fully address the core issues surrounding the Polish-Belarusian border crisis, which some attribute to actions taken by Lukashenko. They argue that the Instagram message reflects a broader cultural tone rather than a direct analysis of border policy. The debate continues as observers weigh the implications for public discourse and political strategy.
In this ongoing discussion, the focus remains on how best to communicate about migration, border security, and human dignity, while navigating the fraught political environment that surrounds these topics.
[Citation: wPolityce]