Wojna jako katastrofa. Obrazy wojen XXI wieku w polskich filmach fabularnych i wybranych serialach telewizyjnych

This paper presents an analysis of Polish feature films and TV series which refer to armed conflicts from the 21st century. The analysed material shows that features and TV productions focus primarily on military missions in Iraq and Afghanistan held with the participation of Polish soldiers. Wars in other parts of the world are mentioned only sporadically. Consequently, they seem more distant, less important and are presented mainly from the perspective of victims seeking safe refuge. In films and TV series, images of direct warfare are rare. If they appear at all, they are representations of post-modern asymmetrical, hybrid war. Unlike Polish films and TV series about the Second World War, the productions depicting the wars from the 21st century hardly ever feature acts of heroism, courage or sacrifice of Polish soldiers. War is typically presented through the account of those directly involved, be it actively or passively (soldiers, doctors, war correspondents). The films and TV series included in the analysis put emphasis mainly on the dramatic and long--lasting effects of wars on people directly involved in warfare and their loved ones.