FILMEX REVIEWS

Following is a partial look at films screening today at Mann’s Westwood Triplex. ‘FAR FROM POLAND’ United States, 1984, 106 minutes 12:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.

Film maker Jill Godmilow tells us that she was in Poland when the shipyard workers in Gdansk began their strike in August, 1980, but that she was denied a visa when she wanted to return with a crew to film the flowering of the Solidarity movement. In a splendid instance of turning frustration to advantage, Godmilow went ahead and made this highly personal, quirky, thoughtful and cohesive consideration of Poland’s anguish through re-created conversations, archival materials and re-created interviews. In the process “Far From Poland” also questions the nature of the documentary and the role of its makers.

RECOMMENDED.