Netflix has unveiled its most expensive Polish series to date, titled Heweliusz, as part of its ongoing commitment to the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region. The mini-series, which premiered on November 5, 2023, marks a significant milestone for the streaming giant, which has been operating in Poland since 2016. The launch underscores Netflix’s strategy to invest in local storytelling, capitalizing on Poland’s rich talent pool and large audience.
The series is centered around the tragic sinking of a Polish passenger ferry in the Baltic Sea in 1993, an incident that resulted in the loss of 55 lives and prompted an extensive rescue operation. The disaster is noted as the deadliest peacetime maritime event involving a Polish vessel. Directed by Jan Holoubek and written by Kasper Bajon, both of whom previously collaborated on the successful series High Water, Heweliusz features prominent Polish actors including Magdalena Różyczka and Michał Żurawski.
Ambitious Production and Local Impact
The production of Heweliusz is a massive undertaking, filmed over nine months across 70 locations in and outside of Poland. According to Łukasz Kłuskiewicz, Netflix’s Central Europe Chief, the series represents not only a significant financial commitment but also a bold narrative choice. Kłuskiewicz described the project as “one of the most ambitious in Europe and maybe the biggest Polish production since 1989.”
Kłuskiewicz noted that the creative team faced initial skepticism about the feasibility of producing such a series. “In the beginning, they thought no one would be interested and the show would be impossible to produce,” he explained. However, after reviewing the team’s vision, Netflix decided to support the project, recognizing its potential for storytelling depth and emotional resonance.
The series intertwines various genres, including disaster, thriller, and family drama, allowing for a nuanced exploration of human responses to tragedy. Kłuskiewicz emphasized that while the series is based on true events, it focuses on “humans rather than the disaster itself.” He added, “Plenty of elements are fictionalized, and some characters are blended into one, inviting viewers to grow through the investigation.”
Strategic Focus on Quality Content
Kłuskiewicz’s strategy for Netflix in the CEE region is to prioritize quality over speed. “We may not be the fastest, but we really care about the quality of our stories,” he stated. This approach is evident in the production of Heweliusz, which has drawn comparisons to the critically acclaimed series Chernobyl, known for its meticulous storytelling.
This investment in local content reflects Netflix’s broader strategy to solidify its presence in Poland, a market with significant growth potential. The platform has expanded its offerings in the region, introducing various original series and films that resonate with local audiences. Future projects include Lead Children, a drama featuring Cold War star Joanna Kulig, and Anaesthesia, Netflix’s first medical procedural.
Despite facing challenges, including backlash over its handling of sensitive topics in previous productions, Kłuskiewicz remains optimistic about the industry’s growth in Poland. “The skillset is there, and we want to take care of the industry and invest,” he said, highlighting the potential for local stories to connect with audiences both within and beyond Poland.
As Netflix celebrates its decade in the CEE region, Heweliusz serves as a testament to the platform’s commitment to fostering local talent and storytelling. Kłuskiewicz concluded with a vision of connecting local viewers with compelling narratives, emphasizing that if a story travels internationally, it will be due to the “quality and power of the storytelling.”
