Michał Jach, a member of parliament, emphasized that individuals who shape public opinion, from artists to directors, carry a heavy burden when they speak, and they should measure their words with care. In a discussion with the wPolityce.pl portal, he warned that Agnieszka Holland, the director behind a forthcoming film, would be held to high standards because her words carry weight in public discourse. He pointedly asserted that there is no room for missteps or excuses from someone in her position.
Jach referenced a feature in the weekly Sieci that previewed Holland’s film, suggesting the piece could amount to an attack on those who guard Poland’s borders. He described the production as a potential misrepresentation, arguing that it would present false testimony about the role of Polish services in protecting the country. He expressed disbelief at the portrayal, highlighting Holland’s past achievements in culture and defense of artistic expression. While he acknowledged that art can provoke and stimulate thought, he maintained that it cannot bear falsehood or aim to harm those who work under difficult conditions to serve Polish society. He stressed that border guards and other public servants deserve sincere respect for their sacrifices, especially given the demanding circumstances they endure. The episode, in his view, manifested a slanderous account that misrepresented the reality faced by those on duty in Poland’s security framework. He recalled a time of martial law when many in the arts stood with the nation against oppressive forces, noting with concern that the current climate appears to shift toward defending those who previously imposed restrictions. He suggested that some actors and creatives might be subjected to pressure or exclusion if they fail to align with the present government’s stance, a dynamic he sees as harmful to honest cultural discourse.
– remarks Jach in the interview with the portal wPolityce.pl.
Responsibility of the maker
Jach also underscored the responsibility that comes with artistic influence. He argued that freedom of speech is guaranteed to everyone by the constitution, allowing even misguided or false statements to be expressed within those constitutional protections. Nevertheless, he contended that the higher the profile of the speaker, the greater the duty to consider the impact of one’s words. In his view, artists who help shape public opinion, and especially directors, are expected to weigh their statements with care. In his assessment, Avowing bold statements is not enough when the audience expects accuracy and accountability, and he asserted that there can be no justification for statements that damage the reputation of those serving the nation.
– argues the PiS MP.
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note Radoslaw Molenda