Nationalism: The dark side of Poland

Audio Description

Poland stands at a historic crossroads. Praised as NATO’s frontline against Russia and a key supporter of Ukraine, the country is also facing deep internal divisions over nationalism, religion, civil liberties and the environment. This investigative documentary explores a nation torn between tradition and modernity: from the ultra-nationalist rallies at the Jasna Gora Monastery to the coal mines of Silesia, from polluted towns where children struggle to breathe to the fierce battle over abortion rights and LGBT freedoms. Through powerful testimonies from miners, doctors, activists, families and political figures, the film reveals a Poland shaped by Catholic identity, conservative politics, environmental crisis and a new generation determined to fight for change. 00:00 Poland at Breaking Point 00:34 Holy Site Taken Over by Nationalists 02:07 Inside the Far-Right Initiation Ceremony 04:07 Poland Becomes NATO’s Front Line 07:11 Deep Inside Europe’s Coal Country 09:15 650 Meters Underground, Risking Their Lives 18:36 Children Struggle to Breathe in Polluted Poland 27:31 Abortion Rights Divide the Nation 34:50 A Historic Trial Against an Activist 38:14 Izabela’s Death Sparks National Outrage 46:40 The LGBT Activist Targeted by State Media 51:19 Leaving the Church in Catholic Poland