Netflix Unveils Ambitious Polish Series ‘Heweliusz’ Amid Growth
Netflix is marking its tenth anniversary in Poland with the launch of its most expensive Polish series to date, titled ‘Heweliusz’. Set to premiere on November 5, 2023, this disaster mini-series highlights the streamer’s evolving commitment to the Central and Eastern European (CEE) market. Since its introduction in Poland in 2016, Netflix has recognized the nation’s rich talent pool and significant viewer demand for local content.
The company swiftly expanded its operations throughout the CEE region, establishing a hub in Warsaw in 2022. This hub has facilitated the production of several high-profile originals, including ‘High Water’, ‘1983’, and adaptations of Harlan Coben’s works. With a population nearing 40 million, Poland serves as a crucial entry point into the CEE entertainment landscape.
‘Heweliusz’ is based on a tragic maritime disaster that occurred in 1993, when a Polish passenger ferry sank in the Baltic Sea, resulting in the loss of 55 lives. The series aims to explore the human stories behind this event, focusing on families affected by the tragedy. According to Łukasz Kłuskiewicz, the newly appointed head of Netflix’s TV and movie operations in the region, the production represents a significant investment in local storytelling.
A Bold Production Journey
The ambitious project was filmed over nine months at around 70 locations in and outside of Poland. It features a large ensemble cast, including notable Polish actors such as Magdalena Różczka and Michał Żurawski. Kłuskiewicz describes ‘Heweliusz’ as “one of the most ambitious projects in Europe,” comparable to major productions since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.
The series comes from the creative team behind ‘High Water’, including writer Kasper Bajon and director Jan Holoubek. Kłuskiewicz noted that initial skepticism surrounded the feasibility of producing such a series. However, the compelling vision presented by the creative team quickly won over Netflix executives. “We knew the story had the potential to be multi-layered,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of quality storytelling over rapid production timelines.
The narrative combines various genres, including disaster, thriller, and family drama, echoing elements seen in the acclaimed series ‘Chernobyl’. Kłuskiewicz anticipates significant plot twists, particularly one at the end of the second episode that promises to reshape viewer perceptions of the story. He underscores that while the series is grounded in real events, it prioritizes the personal experiences of those involved rather than the disaster itself.
Investing in Local Talent and Stories
The launch of ‘Heweliusz’ also signifies Netflix’s confidence in the CEE entertainment sector. Despite some challenges, including public backlash over content adjustments in the past, Kłuskiewicz remains optimistic about the region’s potential. He stated, “The skillset is there, and we want to take care of the industry and invest.”
Upcoming projects from Netflix Poland include ‘Lead Children’, featuring Joanna Kulig, and a medical procedural titled ‘Anaesthesia’. The former addresses the real-life fight against lead poisoning in children, while the latter follows a neurosurgeon starting anew in a small-town hospital. Other notable productions include a historical drama about the largest prison riots in Poland in 1989 and adaptations of Polish literary classics.
Kłuskiewicz emphasizes that the primary focus of Netflix CEE is to resonate with local audiences. “Connecting local viewers with local stories is our foremost goal,” he said. While some projects may achieve international recognition, the priority remains on the quality and depth of storytelling that reflects the CEE experience.
As Netflix continues to navigate the complexities of the entertainment landscape, Kłuskiewicz shared a light-hearted anecdote about a star from the Polish action film ‘Lesson Plan’. The actor encountered a police officer in Argentina who recognized him and simply wanted a photo, showcasing the growing reach and recognition of Polish productions.
The blend of high-octane narratives, documentaries, romantic comedies, and unscripted formats forms the core of Kłuskiewicz’s strategy, appealing to diverse viewer preferences. He concluded that the evolving landscape allows for greater storytelling opportunities, stating, “CEE has a common mutual history, so we can understand each other and certain stories can resonate.”
As Netflix celebrates a decade in Poland, ‘Heweliusz’ stands as a testament to its commitment to local narratives and the potential for Polish content to thrive in a global marketplace.
