X FILM UNIT

(Zespół Filmowy "X")

One of seven newfilm unitsfounded in 1972 in Poland. The film unit X, withAndrzej Wajdaas the artistic director,Bolesław Michałekas the literary director, and Barbara Pec-Ślesicka as the production manager, was instrumental during theCinema of Distrustperiod. Several young filmmakers started their careers under Wajda's artistic supervision, among themRyszard Bugajski, Jerzy Domaradzki, Feliks Falk, andAgnieszka Holland. The X Film Unit produced several classic Polish films, such as Falk'sTop Dog(1978), Holland'sA Woman Alone(1981), and Wajda's own films such asThe Promised Land(1975),Man of Marble(1977), andMan of Iron(1981). Like other artistic organizations, the unit was disbanded after the introduction of martial law in December of 1981. Accused of oppositional activities, Wajda was removed as the head of unit X in April 1983, together with his close collaborators.