Jan Matejko. REJTAN, OR THE FALL OF POLAND

In 1773, clutching at assorted pretexts, Russia, Austria, and Prussia annexed a third of the territory of the commonwealth of Poland–Lithuania. The deed marked the beginning of the process that bereft Poland of independence. Bribed by Russia, members of the polish parliament of 1773 were ready to ratify an act sanctioning the first partition of Poland. The film shows the dramatic moment when deputy Radeusz Rejtan tries to forestall that act of treason.

The painting is part of the collection of the Royal Castle in Warsaw.

written by Marek Brodzki
director of photography Paweł Flis
set design Marek Warszewski
editing Wojciech Janas
sound Andrzej Lewandowski, Karol Mańkowski
costumes Katarzyna Lewińska
make up Janusz Kaleja
cast Marcin Chabowski, Sławomir Holland, Dariusz Jakubowski, Przemysław Sejmicki
narrated by Olgierd Łukaszewicz
production Wytwórnia Filmów Dokumentalnych i Fabularnych
produced by Włodzimierz Niederhaus
production manager Andrzej Besztak