Augustyniak Family Archive

collection Augustyniak Family Archive
authors Stanisław Augustyniak
length 12'46
country Russia
locations Moscow, Russia 
format 8 mm
color color; black and white
signature PAFD 0051 009
description

The author of the film is Stanisław Augustyniak (born in 1920 in Warta, died in 1997 in Gdynia). He completed seven grades of primary school and mastered several trades – he was a shoemaker, tailor, furrier, plumber, carpenter, locksmith, and knew his way around electrical installations. In 1938, he went to Warsaw hoping to continue his education, but to no avail. Eventually, he enlisted in the navy in Gdynia and in 1939 ended up on ORP “Gryf”. He participated in the September Campaign as an artillery operator and member of the crew defending the peninsula. After the capitulation, he was taken into German captivity and imprisoned in the Woldenberg camp, and then assigned to work at Paul Schwartz’s inn in Wollin. There he met his future wife, Anna Witkowska, who worked at Lehmann’s, Schwartz’s neighbor. After returning to Poland, the couple had a modest wedding, and in 1946 their only son Bolesław was born. The family moved to Gdynia, where Stanisław began working as a sailor, sailing for the next 30 years in PLO under the Polish merchant flag. His amateur 8-millimeter films come from this period, which also feature his wife Anna, who accompanied him on several sailings. After finishing his work at sea, Stanisław focused on family life, dedicating much time to his cherished allotment garden in Gdynia.
Part 1
A film shot in Moscow during winter. The camera observes a group of tourists by the Kremlin walls, all wearing warm coats, and then follows them during sightseeing. The tourist attractions shown include Main Entrance Arch of the Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy, Main Pavilion of the Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy, the Ostankino TV tower, Moscow University, Hotel Ukraina, Red Square, and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Some frames are double-exposed – the blurry winter scenery blends with shots from a summer boat trip.
Part 2
The footage was shot indoors, during a party. At the beginning, the film is blurry and dark. In later frames, we can see a group of people, both women and men, sitting at a table, likely during a Christmas Eve dinner on the ship. At one point, carol singers with guitars show up, and Christmas decorations are visible in the background.
Part 3
The film is heavily overexposed and blurry. It was probably shot from a vehicle window. Distant city views can be seen, followed by forested hills. This is most likely Moscow and its surroundings.

(WO)

keywords winter  tourists  Christmas  carol singers  guitar  tourism 
source of funding Polish Film Institute