Hurricane – Interviews
By Claire Bueno
This film may be led by actor Iwan Rheon (Game of Thrones, Misfits) but this is definitely a story about a Polish band of brothers, Squadron 303 who demonstrated their courage by valiantly joining the allies to help defeat Hitler during the Battle of Britain.
In 1939 the Poles endured horrific crimes against them when both Russia and Germany invaded their country within a two week period.
Having witnessed first-hand the loss and devastation inflicted on Poland, and seeing the same fete which lay ahead for Britain as she battled against Nazi invasion, a group of Polish fighter pilots offered their services to the Brits.
It was with reluctance that the British accepted their help. But little did the Brits know the value of these officers, until they became airborne.
As we see in Britain today, the results of their contribution as well as many other counties, speak for themselves.
“Yeah, it’s kinda overdue isn’t it?” Says director David Blair when he attended the UK Premiere of the movie.
“I was aware that there were Polish service men in the RAF and the forces generally, but I wasn’t aware of the contribution that they made, and it’s a sizable contribution, and it’s pretty sad that it took so long for it to be recognized. So I am very happy to be part of bringing that story to the fore, and also in the current political climate to be able to say this is a good example of collaboration working.”
The event held on Tuesday 4th September at Vue West End was also attended by some of its cast members.
As the film combines native language as well as English the film’s lead Iwan Rheon explained why this was crucial: “Yeah, I think David and I had a conversation, he thought how do you feel about doing it in Polish, and obviously as an actor I was yeah, I’ll be fine! No worries! (Laughs). Then the more I started learning the language the more difficult it was. I thought it was important for the authenticity in order to maintain that it’s not just a bunch of old dodgy Polish accents, you know, because it is respect to the brave men that gave their lives to protect a country that isn’t theirs.”
The film also incorporates the efforts and contribution of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), Stefanie Martini (Prime Suspect 1973) shares how this was a pivotal time for feminism.
"It was really interesting, it made me realise just how important that time was for feminism and I felt that in my character I got to explore the idea of how, you know, how women are capable of doing these jobs, and we’ve always been capable of doing these jobs, but hadn’t been allowed to and there’s this whole stream of women, going “I can do this, I’m capable.”
The actress continued: “and my character is very competent at what she does and more competent than some of the men, and it was great to illustrate and push that and let people see that.”
