Director: Piotr Szulkin
1979
Several decades after a global atomic catastrophe, the world lies in ruins and humanity has virtually ceased to exist. The few survivors become subjects of scientific experiments as researchers attempt to rebuild society by studying individuals lacking adaptive abilities. Among them is Pernat, a middle-aged man who, after a series of experiments, returns to his apartment with no memory of his past and unable to recognize himself. The tenement building where he lives conceals dark secrets—among the neighbors emerges a ruthless figure who ritualistically creates and destroys people from clay. Under constant surveillance by scientists and security forces, Pernat becomes a witness to manipulation, repression, and the absurdities of this new world. Gradually, by observing his surroundings and confronting daily terror, he begins to understand his own situation and a desire to resist is born within him. The film portrays a man struggling with the loss of identity in a dehumanized world where scientific experimentation intertwines with violence and control. It is Piotr Szulkin’s feature debut, launching his post-apocalyptic series which also includes *The War of the Worlds: Next Century*, *O-bi, O-ba: The End of Civilization*, and *Ga, Ga: Glory to the Heroes*.