Celebrating Władysław Reymont’s The Peasants and Its Cinematic Adaptation: Join the Conversation

Baltimore film enthusiasts and literature lovers alike are invited to an engaging and thought-provoking event celebrating Władysław Reymont‘’s Nobel Prize-winning novel The Peasants and its stunning modern adaptation. This Saturday, March 22, 2025, the Polish Heritage Association of Maryland (PHAM) will host a hybrid panel discussion and interactive conversation at the Towson Unitarian Universalist Church. This event promises to be an insightful exploration of a film that has ignited conversation and debate among critics and audiences.

A Masterpiece of Polish Literature

Władysław Reymont’s The Peasants (Chłopi) remains one of Poland’s most celebrated literary works. Published in four volumes between 1904 and 1909, the novel captures the intricacies of rural life in a late 19th-century Polish village. Its immersive portrayal of the rhythms of peasant existence, societal expectations, and the struggles of the human spirit earned Reymont the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1924.

At the heart of the story is Jagna, a young woman seeking agency within the rigid confines of village customs. Her defiance of societal norms and the consequences she faces are central to Reymont’s exploration of gender, class, and tradition. Readers worldwide have been captivated by the novel’s emotional depth and evocative imagery.

Reymont’s detailed descriptions and poetic prose bring to life the changing seasons, communal traditions, and the tension between individual desires and collective expectations. His characters are richly developed, with their ambitions, resentments, and resilience vividly portrayed. Beyond its narrative power, The Peasants serves as a significant cultural document, offering a window into the customs, superstitions, and social hierarchies of rural Poland.

From Page to Screen: The 2023 Film Adaptation

In 2023, filmmakers DK Welchman and Hugh Welchman brought The Peasants to life in a visually breathtaking adult animated historical drama. Following the success of their Oscar-nominated Loving Vincent, the filmmakers applied the same innovative technique of oil-painted animation to create a rich and immersive visual experience. Each frame of the film was meticulously hand-painted by a team of artists, enhancing the vividness of the rural landscape and the emotional intensity of the narrative.

While the visual artistry has been widely praised, the film’s adaptation has not been without controversy. Some critics have lauded it as “a towering achievement of animation,” while others have deemed it “a disappointingly conventional” interpretation. The film’s depiction of Jagna’s story has sparked debate regarding the artistic liberties taken in adapting a revered literary classic.

HANDOUT IMAGE: THE PEASANTS key frame painted by Julia Spiwakowa. Image from Sony Pictures Classics press website. ©Julia Spiwakowa. Photo credit: Julia Spiwakowa/Sony Pictures Classics.

Notably, the adaptation condenses the novel’s sprawling four-volume narrative, focusing primarily on Jagna’s perspective. This streamlining of the plot has led to differing opinions on whether the film captures the novel’s layered themes and character complexities. Some viewers appreciate the intimate focus on Jagna’s struggle for autonomy, while others argue that it oversimplifies Reymont’s nuanced exploration of rural society.

HANDOUT IMAGE: THE PEASANTS key frame painted by Julia Spiwakowa. Image from Sony Pictures Classics press website. ©Julia Spiwakowa. Photo credit: Julia Spiwakowa/Sony Pictures Classics.

The film also invites discussion about the role of animation in historical storytelling. By using oil painting to depict the Polish countryside, the filmmakers evoke the pastoral beauty and harsh realities of village life, creating an immersive and emotional viewing experience. This choice also raises questions about the effectiveness of visual spectacle in conveying the novel’s intricate social commentary.

Event Details and Panelists

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore these perspectives during the upcoming panel discussion. The event will feature expert panelists offering insights into both the novel and its cinematic adaptation.

• Anna Zaranko, the translator of The Peasants (2022), will discuss the novel’s significance in Polish literature and culture.
• Dr. Michal Wilczewski, Associate Professor at Northwestern University, will explore the film’s place within Polish cinema and animation.
• Dr. Katarzyna Zechenter, Associate Professor at University College London and a reviewer of the film, will provide insights into the modern interpretation of Reymont’s work.

I will serve as moderator for the event and look forward to talking with both the panelists and the in-person and virtual audiences in attendance.

Join the Conversation

Whether you’ve already seen the film or are simply curious about the adaptation, this event offers an opportunity to engage in a lively exchange of ideas. Participants can join in person or virtually via Zoom.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
• Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Location: Towson Unitarian Universalist Church, 1710 Dulaney Valley Road, Lutherville, MD 21093
• Admission: Free, with suggested donations of $12 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.
• Registration: Visit Event Registration Page to secure your spot. The Zoom link will be provided upon registration.

Join us for an afternoon of dialogue, cultural exploration, and appreciation of both literary and cinematic art. Don’t miss this chance to delve into one of Poland’s most enduring narratives and the film that reimagines it for a modern audience. We look forward to seeing you there!