PARIS: Cinema – Maximilian KOLBE retraces the final days of the martyr priest of Auschwitz

The historical drama “Maximilien Kolbe”, which explores the sacrifice of the Polish priest at Auschwitz, will be released in France on May 20.

May 20, 2026, will mark the national release of the film “Maximilien Kolbe,” an American-Polish historical drama that promises to shed new light on one of the most striking acts of sacrifice of the 20th century. Directed by Anthony D’Ambrosio, the film focuses on depicting the final days of the Polish Franciscan priest in the hell of the Auschwitz concentration camp in 1941. The film is distributed in France by the company SAJE Distribution, based in the 13th arrondissement of Paris.

An unprecedented narrative angle

The project’s uniqueness lies in its starting point. While most biographical stories about Maximilien Kolbe culminate in his offer to die in place of another prisoner, Anthony D’Ambrosio’s film chooses to begin precisely at that moment. The official synopsis sets the scene: “Auschwitz, 1941. In retaliation for the escape of a prisoner, 10 men are sentenced to die of starvation in a bunker. When a father is chosen by fate, Maximilien Kolbe, a Polish priest, steps forward to take his place.”

The film thus focuses on the events that take place inside the hunger bunker, a tragic closed-door situation where the priest, far from succumbing to despair, engages in what the production describes as “a struggle to triumph love in this hell on earth.” This narrative approach aims to explore the spiritual and human dimension of his sacrifice, beyond the initial heroic act.

A carefully crafted independent production

“Maximilien Kolbe” is the result of a collaboration between the United States and Poland. The filming took place mainly in Poland, notably in the city of Oświęcim, bringing visual authenticity to the project. The director made the bold artistic choice to shoot in a 4:3 aspect ratio, a more square image ratio that can enhance the sense of confinement and evoke images from that era.

With a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes, the film features an international cast including Marcin Kwaśny, Rowan Polonski, and Christopher Sherwood. It falls within the genre of historical drama, aiming to provide faithful reenactment and psychological exploration of a figure canonized by the Catholic Church in 1982.

Information and theatrical release

The release of “Maximilien Kolbe” is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, 2026, across France. SAJE Distribution has already made available the first images of the film through a trailer, accessible to the public eager to discover the atmosphere and tone of the work.

Press professionals interested in previewing the film before its release can directly contact the production at cdelorgeril@sajeprod.com to obtain a screening link.

The trailer is also available via this link: https://sajedistribution.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=703ebf01e40d5cbac011b6973&id=75702e16ed&e=0451831b3a.