On the Silver Globe is a science fiction film directed by Andrzej Żuławski in 1977. One-fifth of the film remains unfinished due to its tumultuous production. The Polish communist government halted production because of the film’s radical themes and forced Żuławski into exile. About a decade later, he returned and completed the unfinished sections using B-roll footage accompanied by his narration.

While superficially a science fiction film, the film is deeply philosophical and explores human nature. Astronauts establish a human civilization on an Earth-like planet, where they eventually create myths around their origins. Marek, an astronaut who arrives later, is hailed as their prophesied messiah and is forced to question his humanity within this role.

The film explores humanity’s tendency to create myths to understand the absurd, and how religion can transform from a source of meaning and comfort into a tool for violence, dogma, and oppression. Its dense, theatrical dialogue, exaggerated acting, constantly moving camera, and vast locations reinforce these themes. Despite its unfinished state, the film remains a powerful work of science fiction and a testament to art’s resilience against oppression.

This is a ticketed event. RSVP Here.