Nikiszowiec in a Frame - The District of Katowice in the Light of the Cameras

Nikiszowiec is, thanks to its characteristic buildings, one of the most recognisable districts of Katowice. It is a place which, with its unique atmosphere and architecture, attracts not only tourists but also filmmakers. The historic workers' housing estate, built at the beginning of the 20th century, enchants with its red brick buildings, narrow streets and an atmosphere that takes you back in time. Nikiszowiec has become a natural set for many film productions, both Polish and foreign. In which films can you see this magical district of Katowice?

1. "Angelus" (2000), dir. by Lech Majewski

One of the most famous films in which we can see Nikiszowiec is Lech Majewski's surreal production Angelus. The film tells the story of mystic miners who believe they will save the world from extinction. Nikiszowiec, with its austere industrial architecture, perfectly captures the atmosphere of mystery and mysticism inherent in the plot. Brick buildings and industrial landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for this unusual tale, in which reality intertwines with fantasy.

Salt of the Black Earth" (1969), dir. by Kazimierz Kutz

Nikiszowiec is also the place that became the backdrop for one of the most important films of Polish cinematography - "The Salt of the Black Earth", directed by Kazimierz Kutz. It is a classic telling the story of the Silesian Uprisings, which aimed to annex Silesia to Poland. The harsh, working-class landscape of Nikiszowiec perfectly harmonises with the story of struggle and sacrifice depicted in the film. Kutz, known for his attachment to Silesian culture and history, perfectly captured the spirit of the place, making Nikiszowiec an integral part of the story.

3. "Perła w koronie" (1971), dir. by Kazimierz Kutz

Nikiszowiec appears once again in another film by Kazimierz Kutz, "Pearl in the Crown". It is a story about the difficult fate of miners in the interwar years, their struggle for dignity and better working conditions. Nikiszowiec, with its brick facades and characteristic urban layout, reflects the harsh yet beautiful reality of Silesia of that period. Kutz deliberately chose places that not only reflected the atmosphere of the era, but also had a strong connection to the history of the region. Thanks to this, Nikiszowiec becomes something more than just a background - it is almost the protagonist of the film, symbolising the industrial power of Silesia.

Nikiszowiec - the film pearl of Silesia

Nikiszowiec, with its unique character, is a place that constantly inspires filmmakers. Its red brick buildings, distinctive buildings and unique atmosphere make it the perfect backdrop for a variety of film genres - from historical dramas to contemporary stories about love and life. For lovers of cinema and architecture, a walk through Nikiszowiec is like a journey through a film set, where every street hides a story and emotions known from the big screen.

If you're planning a visit to Katowice, be sure to make time to explore Nikiszowiec. You might even manage to capture in a frame the magical atmosphere that has inspired so many directors!

November 20th, 2024