Very soon after blogging on "Lead Children" (2026) I discovered another Polish disaster series with at least one crucial difference. This one "Heweliusz"(2025) is set after the fall of Communism. One dismissive comment was to diminish a "commy'". Also has a bigger budget. see http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2026/02/lead-children-communist-enviromental.html
We are shown several flashbacks about a ferry boat, the Heweliusz capsizing with many deaths. Each flashback gives additional information. Most of the action is in homes and businesses and in court.
We are made aware that the ferry boat company is determined that the blame be laid on Captain Ulasiewicz and his crew. Slowly the flashbacks reveal the boat had been poorly maintained and towards the end we learn that it had been overloaded by government military forces.
The captain did not survive and his body was not recovered for a few weeks. The company tried to suggest that he had been drinking, had not recovered from surgery and had made a few mistakes. All that is untrue, but he has only a few supporters. The company has made a number of veiled threats against witnesses. The Captain's daughter is bullied by boys who attributed their father's death to her father.
Finally we get to a court hearing and can see although a few supporting words are spoken, the judge cuts off testimony that goes against the company. He even seems to be able to coach witness on the stand. The captain's wife feels her husband has been slandered.
The film is very engaging with strong production values. There are many contributors and these are only a few.
Jan Holoubek was the director. He started as a cinematographer encouraged by his established acting parents. He has 23 cinematography credits, 11 for directing and 8 for the camera and electrical department.
Kasper Bajon was the writer. He has 8 writing credits, 4 for assistant directing and 2 for directing.
Alain-Gilles Viellevoye was a co-producer. He has 109 credits for production finance and accounting, 46 for producing, 3 for production management and 2 for additional crew including "Coco Before Chanel" (2003), "Suite Francaise" (2014).
Jan Komar composed the music. He has done commercials and theatre music. He has 24 credits for composing, 6 for the music department and 1 for soundtrack.
Bartlomiej Kaczmarek was the cinematographer. He has 16 cinematographer credits, 1 for director and 1 for writing.
Magdalena Rozczka plays the captain's wife. In 2010 she was appointed UNICEF National Goodwill Ambassador. She has 61 acting credits, 1 for producing and 1 for writing including "The Mothers of Penguins" (2024)) see http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/12/the-mothers-of-pengins-series-from.html
Michal Zurawski plays Piotr Binter, a close friend of the captain. He has been active in the theatre as well as dubbing. Michal has 95 acting credits and 1 for directing including "Lead Children" (2026).
Konrad Eleryk played Witold, a key witness. He has 61 acting credits.
Michalina Labacz played Witold's wife. She has been active in the theatre. Michalina has 19 acting credits including "Hold Tight" (2022).
Borys Szyc played Captain Ulasiewicz, mostly in flashbacks. He has been a singer with albums and films, also been in theatre and done dubbing. Borys owned a restaurant and wrote a cook book. He has 117 acting credits, 6 for producing and 1 for soundtrack.
Jan Englert played Binter's father. He has been the artistic director of the National Theatre in Warsaw. He has 124 acting credits, 1 for directing and 2 for writing.
Piotr Roguck played a character named Marek Celej. He has 47 acting credits, 2 for the music department and 1 for composing including "Forgotten Love" (2023) and "The Mothers of Penguins" (2024). see http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/10/forgotten-love-polish-gem.html
Grzegorz Warchol, played one of the company executives. He has 92 acting credits, 12 for directing and 3 for writing including "Three Colors: White" (1994).
Jacek Koman played the character Ignacy Budzisz. He has lived in Australia for many years. He has 101 acting credits and 1 for soundtrack including "Moulin Rouge" (2001), "Australia" (2008), "The Great Gatsby" (2013), "Doctor Doctor" (2016) and "Conclave" (2024).
This series "Heweliusz", about a disaster is very well done. It is available on Netflix, dubbed and subtitled. One of the better ones this year.
As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen. They are not necessarily a recommendation, but generally these are among my favorites. If you follow the links you should be better able to determine if a particular film is worth following up.
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