Kosciuszko: A Man Ahead of His Time

2015, 54 min.

Kosciuszko: A Man Ahead of His Time (2015)

Production

Director Alex Storozynski
Screenplay Alex Storozynski
(based on the book by Alex Storozynski, “The Peasant Prince: Thaddeus Kosciusko and The Age of Revolution”)
Cinematography Ed Fabrey
Music David Van Tieghem
Producer Eva Krzyzanowska
Cast
Narrator Blair Underwood
Kosciuszko’s Voice Olek Krupa
Thaddeus Kosciuszko Eric Bembenek
George Washington John Koopman
Benjamin Franklin Bill Robling
Thomas Jefferson Steve Edenbo
Ludwika Sosnowska Magda Mazurek
Story
There are more statues of Thaddeus Kosciuszko in America than any historical figure except for George Washington.Thaddeus Kosciuszko (1746-1817) fought for American independence and was decorated by George Washington with the Order of Cincinnatus. Later, he led a Polish uprising against the Russian Empire. Kosciuszko’s plan won the Battle of Saratoga – the turning point of the war. He built Fortress West Point. Kosciuszko gave his salary from the American Revolution to Thomas Jefferson with instructions to buy slaves and free them. Jefferson called Kosciuszko “as pure a son of liberty, as I have ever known.” This Polish hero fought for the rights of serfs, slaves, Jews, Native-Americans and women.

Thaddeus Kosciuszko was a prince of tolerance whose principles still resonate today.

With a moving narration by Blair Underwood and reenactments filmed at West Point, Saratoga, Philadelphia and in Poland, the film tells the story of Kosciuszko’s fight for liberty for all. Hollywood actor Olek Krupa brings the Polish revolutionary to life with dramatic readings. There are also interviews with former U.S. National Security Advisor Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Alex Storozynski, UCLA Prof. Gary Nash, and Purdue Prof. James Pula.