Interrogation (1980 film)

Interrogation is a 1980 Polish film directed by Ryszard Bugajski. It is a psychological drama set in Poland during the Stalinist era of the 1950s.

The film tells the story of Tonia Dziwisz, a young and apolitical woman who is arbitrarily arrested and subjected to brutal interrogations by the secret police. She is accused of conspiring against the communist regime, despite having no knowledge of any such activities. The interrogators use torture, psychological manipulation, and threats to coerce her into confessing to false charges and implicating others.

Tonia's unwavering innocence and refusal to cooperate, even under immense pressure, become a symbol of resistance against the totalitarian state. The film explores themes of political oppression, the abuse of power, the resilience of the human spirit, and the psychological toll of totalitarian regimes on individuals.

Interrogation was completed in 1982 but was immediately banned by the Polish communist authorities due to its unflinching depiction of Stalinist terror. It was only released in 1989 after the fall of communism in Poland. The film gained critical acclaim both domestically and internationally and is now considered a significant work of Polish cinema and a powerful indictment of political repression. It stars Krystyna Janda as Tonia Dziwisz and Janusz Gajos as one of her interrogators. The film won the prestigious Prix d'interprétation féminine (Best Actress award) for Janda at the 1990 Cannes Film Festival.