One of Poland’s most successful recent film productions will broadcast on Polsat tonight, offering viewers another chance to see the drama that captivated international audiences on Netflix last year, according to Interia — Film.
Znachor, directed by Michał Gazda, tells the story of Professor Rafał Wilczur, portrayed by Leszek Lichota. The respected surgeon sees his life collapse when his wife leaves him and he loses contact with his daughter. After being violently attacked on the street, he suffers memory loss and begins a new existence entirely cut off from his past.
Living under the name Antoni Kosiba and unaware of his former identity, Wilczur settles in a rural area where he begins treating locals as a folk healer, or znachor. Despite having no conscious memory of his medical training, his instincts and extraordinary abilities allow him to help those in need. Eventually, fate brings him back into contact with his daughter, though neither recognises the other.
Third adaptation of beloved novel
The film represents the third screen version of Tadeusz Dołęga-Mostowicz’s classic novel, following adaptations in 1937 and 1981. Gazda’s contemporary take features a cast including Maria Kowalska, Ignacy Liss and Anna Szymańczyk alongside Lichota in the lead role.
After its debut on Netflix in autumn 2023, the production quickly rose to become one of the streaming platform’s most-watched non-English language films globally. The success marked a significant achievement for Polish cinema on the international stage.
The story has resonated with audiences for decades, exploring themes of identity, loss, redemption and the enduring bond between parent and child. Dołęga-Mostowicz’s original novel, first published in the interwar period, remains one of the most recognised works of Polish literature.
What this means for Poles abroad
For Polish communities in the UK and the USA, tonight’s broadcast on Polsat at 20:35 Polish time offers an opportunity to watch or revisit a film that achieved rare international recognition for Polish cinema. Those with access to Polish television channels through satellite or streaming services can tune in.
The film remains available on Netflix in most territories, making it accessible to viewers who prefer to watch on demand or with English subtitles. For families wanting to share Polish culture with children growing up abroad, Znachor provides a high-quality production that connects to Polish literary heritage whilst telling a universally compelling story.
The international success of the film demonstrates growing interest in Polish-language content on global platforms, suggesting increasing opportunities for Polish actors, directors and crew in the entertainment industry. It also reflects a wider trend of streaming services investing in non-English productions that can reach audiences worldwide.
Polish expats interested in following contemporary Polish cinema can track releases through Netflix’s Polish film category or follow announcements from major Polish broadcasters including Polsat, TVN and TVP, which increasingly make content available through their online platforms accessible from abroad.
