Netflix’s ‘The Champion,’ also called ‘Mistrz,’ is a 2020 Polish sports drama film directed and written by Maciej Barczewski. The film takes us back to the difficult times of World War II in Polish concentration camps. The story is about Polish prisoners who are taken to the Auschwitz concentration camp. Among them is Tadeusz “Teddy” Pietrzykowski, a pre-war boxing champion. When the camp officers find out about his boxing skills, they make him fight. For them, it is entertainment and gambling, but for Teddy, it is a way to survive and give hope to other prisoners. This Polish film is based on a true story and shows the harsh realities of the German death camps.
Where was “The Champion” Filmed?
Filming for ‘The Champion’ took place in Piaseczno and Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki, Poland. The primary shooting occurred in the fall of 2019. The cast and crew were quite proud of their effort. Rafał Zawierucha, an actor, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with such talented individuals in a recent Instagram post. Big appreciation to the entire team!”
Piaseczno, Poland
To recreate the image of the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp in the film, the crew traveled to Piaseczno, a small village just south of Warsaw. Piaseczno’s historic houses and cobblestone streets appear timeless, making it an ideal location for filming various sequences. It is located in the Masovian Voivodeship, near to Warsaw, allowing the team to take advantage of the capital city’s resources and filmmaking facilities.
Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki, Poland
Another notable filming location was Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki, the county’s capital. Many of the inside sequences were filmed in Modlin, a medieval hamlet near Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki. This town is located at the confluence of the Vistula, Narew, and Wkra rivers and is home to the large Modlin Fortress, a historical military landmark.
Poland has a long history of serving as a buffer between major European nations, and Napoleon Bonaparte built the stronghold during his Russian expedition. The fortification is open to the public and provides underground excursions. Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki has used as a backdrop for various World War II films, including ‘Pilecki’s Report,’ ‘Warsaw 44,’ ‘In Darkness,’ and ‘The Passing Bells.
The filming locations for ‘The Champion’ assist to bring Teddy Pietrzykowski’s true and terrible story to life, demonstrating the horror of the Auschwitz concentration camp and the strength of the human spirit.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – The Champion
Q: Where was “The Champion (Mistrz)” filmed?
A: “The Champion (Mistrz)” was filmed in the towns of Piaseczno and Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki in Poland. Piaseczno, with its historical architecture and cobblestone streets, was used to recreate the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp. Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki, especially the Modlin village with its historic fortress, provided key indoor and outdoor scenes.
Q: When was the filming of “The Champion (Mistrz)” carried out?
A: The filming of “The Champion (Mistrz)” took place in the fall of 2019. The production team spent several months capturing the essence of the historical locations to bring the story to life.
Q: What are some notable filming locations in Piaseczno used for the movie?
A: In Piaseczno, the production team used the town’s well-preserved old buildings and expansive natural spaces to recreate the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp. The town’s timeless feel and proximity to Warsaw made it an ideal filming location.
Q: Why was Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki selected as the filming location for “The Champion (Mistrz)”?
A: Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki was chosen due to its rich historical significance and the majestic Modlin Fortress. The citadel, with its military history and strategic location, offered an accurate backdrop for several indoor scenes and enhanced the film’s depiction of World War II events.
Q: When is the release date for “The Champion (Mistrz)” on Netflix?
A: “The Champion (Mistrz)” premiered at the Gdynia Polish Film Festival on December 8, 2020. It was released on Netflix on September 8, 2022
