“Watching the film will spark the imaginations of people with an aesthetic turn of mind.
People will become eager to visit the country that has a place as unique as the “grey gold” mine.
The Polish Tourist Organization believes every aspect of the film is deserving of recommendation and international distribution.”
Katarzyna Sobierajska
International Marketing Manager, Polish Tourist Organization
Next
“The Salt of the Earth has received good reviews for cinematic beauty and the interesting multilingual production.
We also appreciate the access to information about the origins and producers of the film, as well as the images on the website created especially for the film: www.thesaltoftheearth.net. The website makes it possible to spread the film to more people who want to learn about the unique sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
I would also like to emphasize how pleased we are to know there are foreign companies that are interested in Polish culture and tradition and want to help market it.”
Marcin Nawrot
Vice Director of Promotion, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Poland
Next
Polish Ministry for Foreign Affairs
The mood of the film stands out from previous documentaries about the Wieliczka Salt Mine, offering a fresh and unique perspective on this historic site. By presenting objects and places in a new light, the film captures aspects of the mine that have never been seen before, giving viewers a different point of view.
While no film is without its flaws, this one comes close to perfection. It's clear that Sadrolin Tam has devoted a great deal of time and effort to this project, meticulously studying the mine from every possible angle. His deep expertise in the history of underground salt excavations shines through, making him perhaps the most knowledgeable artist to have documented the mine.
What truly sets this film apart, however, is the presence of Jerzy Stuhr as the guide.
His involvement adds a unique flavor to the film, infusing it with both authority and a rich cultural resonance that only he could provide.
Former director of the Kraków Saltworks Museum in Wieliczka,
Next
Professor Antoni Jodłowski
Wieliczka - The Salt of the Earth is a documentary I watched with great pleasure. It is undoubtedly a gem among contemporary documentary films. The work skillfully combines the reliability of scientific information in geology (including tectonics and mineralogy), history (covering almost 1,000 years of the region's history and the mine's 700-year history), and culture (with a particular emphasis on art).
The film is enriched by the breathtaking scenery of Wieliczka's underground, where natural magic meets historical relics crafted by generations of miners over centuries. The landscape, both a backdrop and a subject of the story, is brought to life by the inclusion of the incomparable Jerzy Stuhr as the guide, making the documentary an exceptional and immersive experience.
Specialist in physical geography.
Head of the Department of Geography of Latin America at the Faculty of Geography
and Regional Studies of the University of Warsaw.
Next
Prof. dr hab. Jerzy Makowski
Wieliczka - The Salt of the Earth, with Jerzy Stuhr as the guide, produced and directed by Sadrolin Tam, and with a screenplay by Kevin Benn, offers a profound insight into the operation of the Wieliczka Salt Mine. The film meticulously explores the multitude of risks involved in the mine's operation—cave-ins, fires, and water intrusion—while also highlighting the technical and organizational measures implemented to combat these dangers.
By presenting these challenges and solutions, the film helps viewers gain a deeper understanding of the mine's function and the demanding work of the miners. This focus on the practical, "live" aspects of our past, particularly in terms of its economic dimensions, is a crucial and often overlooked aspect of historical documentation, making this film an invaluable resource.
Jagiellonian University
He is a member of the Polish Society for Educational Diagnostics.
Dr. Henry Palkij
Back to list
The documentary Wieliczka – The Salt of the Earth by Sadrolin Tam has garnered significant acclaim for its in-depth portrayal of the historic Wieliczka Salt Mine. Reviewers have praised its unique perspective and meticulous research, as well as the captivating visuals of the underground salt formations. According to Professor Antoni Jodłowski, a former director of the Kraków Saltworks Museum, the film stands out for capturing the mine from new angles, presenting objects and places in a fresh light.
He describes the film as "almost perfect" and emphasizes the pivotal role played by Jerzy Stuhr, whose narration brings an authoritative yet culturally rich flavor to the production.
The film not only documents the history and technical challenges of mining, such as cave-ins and fires, but also highlights the cultural and artistic significance of the mine, particularly its breathtaking salt-carved chambers like the Chapel of St. Kinga.
The documentary’s success has helped enhance global awareness about the Wieliczka Salt Mine’s heritage, preserving its legacy as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
