Andrzej Wajda has passed away a few hours ago.

You might not take it to heart. You might criticize him. You might doubt his talent and career. But I’m going to write a few words straight out of my heart because I feel like I should contribute in some way to the process of remembering one of the greatest artists of the 20th century and one of the greatest filmmakers to ever walk this planet. Wajda taught me a lot. Especially in Diamonds and Ashes he showed me and the world at the time what cinema was all about, what freedom and true patriotism are all about. He made politics look poetic and dramatic. He told the story of his own generation. A generation of men, that were ready to die for their country, who believed in freedom, who believed in a sunny future. Diamonds and Ashes was Wajda’s masterpiece. It was his legacy both as a filmmaker and as a human being. With just one film, he spoke out with the voice of millions. He broke rules, he jumped over obstacles and kept his head high. He loved cinema. He loved Poland. His name was Andrzej Wajda and hopefully his name will not be forgotten and his voice, his teachings, and his ways of dealing with the oppressive reality will be carried on by future filmmakers.

Thank you and good night.