Nine-person committee chose Krzystek’s drama about the struggle against communism in 1981.

Poland’s Oscar committee, launched by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage Bogdan Zdrojewski on July 20, has chosen Waldemar Krzystek’s 80 Milionów (80 Million) as their official entry to be considered for nomination in the Academy Awards’ Best Foreign Language Film category.

Committee chairman Juliusz Machulski commented: “The decisive factor in our choosing 80 Million was the fact that this film focuses on a period of Polish history in a way that is universal, original and optimistic.”

80 Milionów (80 Million) was released in Polish cinemas in November 2011 and had its international premiere at the 34th Moscow International Film Festival in June this year.