The recent uproar surrounding the remarks made by the director at [ppp0] — where the British filmmaker commented on the conflict in Gaza — has cast a shadow over Glazer’s final statements. In these closing words, he dedicated his Academy Award to Alexandria Bystroń-Kołodziejczyk, a courageous woman who fought against the Nazis as a member of the Polish resistance.
Bystroń-Kołodziejczyk served as the inspiration for the night-vision sequences in Zone, depicting a young girl clandestinely providing food to prisoners in Auschwitz. Glazer, who had the privilege of meeting Bystroń-Kołodziejczyk before her passing in 2016, meticulously shaped the character in the film based on her, even going to the extent of using her authentic bicycle and attire for the actress on screen. Reflecting on her portrayal in the scenes shot with a night vision camera, Glazer remarked, “[She] radiates in the film just as she did in reality. I dedicate this to honor her memory and her acts of resistance.”
Describing Aleksandra as “the sole beacon” in the film, Glazer emphasized the juxtaposition with the “dehumanization” embodied by the central figures of the movie, Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Höss (portrayed by Christian Friedl) and his wife Hedwig (played by Sandra Hüller).
The remarkable tale of Bystroń-Kołodziejczyk’s bravery can be gleaned from her preserved diaries and letters, safeguarded by the Polish association Stowarzyszenia Auschwitz Memento.
One diary entry recounts, “As it was not feasible to bring provisions or medication [into the camp] during daylight hours, we resorted to nocturnal visits,” elucidating Aleksandra’s covert missions to smuggle sustenance into Auschwitz.
Born in July 1927 in Brzeszcze, a town situated less than six miles from the eventual location of the Auschwitz II-Birkenau complex, Bystroń-Kołodziejczyk hailed from a family entrenched in resistance. Her father, a surveyor at a local mine, fell victim to the German occupation in April 1940, enduring captivity at Dachau concentration camp before his eventual release.
The construction of the Auschwitz compound commenced in 1941, involving the massive displacement of the local Polish populace. Bystroń-Kołodziejczyk joined the Polish resistance movement Związek Walki Zbrojnej as a teenager, risking her life alongside over 1,200 Poles in the vicinity of Auschwitz. Under the alias “Olena,” she and her sister clandestinely facilitated communication and aid for the prisoners, navigating the perils with resilience and resourcefulness.
Following the war, Bystroń-Kołodziejczyk faced obstacles due to her wartime activities, encountering disapproval from the communist authorities. Despite the challenges, her indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to resistance left an indelible mark on those around her.
Glazer’s encounter with Bystroń-Kołodziejczyk during the film’s early stages unveiled a tapestry of courage and compassion, culminating in a cinematic tribute to her legacy. Her acts of defiance, epitomized by the simple yet profound gesture of providing sustenance, resonated deeply with the director, serving as a guiding light amidst the darkness of human cruelty and suffering.