Leave No Traces

Leave No Traces, a Polish drama film based on a true event, revolves around the story of Grzegorz Przemyk, a young high school student, whose fatal beating by police officers sets off a chain of events that puts the life of a teenage girl, Ola Szmidt, in danger. The year is 1983, and communist Poland is marked by widespread repression and a lack of trust in its government. On the evening of September 29, 1983, Grzegorz Przemyk, a student at Warsaw's II High School, sneaks into the Stolarska bar, a popular hangout for teenagers, without being let in. The police are nearby, and in the ensuing struggle, Przemyk is beaten to death by four police officers, who leave him on the ground in a puddle of his own blood. The officers then dispose of the body in a nearby canal, attempting to erase any evidence that would incriminate them. However, one eyewitness to the brutal murder is Ola Szmidt, a shy and reserved schoolgirl who manages to escape the scene of the crime before the officers can silence her. News of the beating spreads like wildfire through Warsaw, causing outrage among the local community, many of whom know Grzegorz as a friendly and likeable high school student. The authorities quickly move to cover up the event, and it soon becomes clear that those responsible for the murder will stop at nothing to prevent the truth from emerging. Ola's testimony becomes the sole evidence of the crime, making her a crucial witness in the case. She eventually meets with Father Jacek, a local priest, who agrees to help protect her from the authorities. As the investigation unfolds, Ola finds herself increasingly targeted by police and government agents. They use intimidation, harassment, and manipulation to break her spirit, hoping that she will recant her statement and implicate herself in the crime. Meanwhile, the media plays a crucial role in the investigation, as it slowly uncovers the dark truth behind the beating of Grzegorz Przemyk. Through a series of interviews with Ola, the film offers an intimate look into her transformation from a shy schoolgirl into a courageous young woman who dares to defy the oppressive regime. Her determination and resolve are a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity. As the truth about the beating and the ensuing cover-up slowly emerges, Ola and her allies are determined to see justice served. They fight against an institution that is determined to protect its own interests and silence those who dare to speak out. In the process, they ignite a fire that spreads throughout Poland, fueling the Solidarity movement and galvanizing the people against the communist regime. Leave No Traces is a powerful exploration of courage, resilience, and the human spirit's capacity to triumph over oppression. The film is an homage to the brave men and women of Poland who fought against the regime and risked their lives to speak out against injustice. Through Ola's story, it offers a poignant tribute to the countless victims of state-sponsored violence and their families, whose struggles for justice will continue to inspire us for generations to come.