Towards The Sun

Andrzej Wajda's documentary presents the work of Xawery Dunikowski, an outstanding sculptor of the first half of the 20th century, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of his artistic career. The film depicts the artist in his studio among his famous "heads," modern busts, and sculptures such as "Eve," "Motherhood," "Breath," "Fate," and "Dante." It also showcases the series of Wawel heads and the "Pregnant Women" sculptures displayed outdoors by the sea. The era of socialist realism is represented by the Monument of Gratitude to the Red Army in Olsztyn and the Monument to the Uprising Effort on St. Anne's Mountain. The film’s title alludes to the subtitle of Dunikowski's 1917 "Self-Portrait," which portrays the artist as a massive figure with two faces—one turned toward the sun, the other toward the earth. The commentary by Bohdan Czeszko, read by Aleksander Bardini, gives the film a socialist realist tone.