"80 Million" is a 2011 Polish crime thriller directed by Waldemar Krzystek. The story is set in the autumn of 1981, during the final preparations of the communist regime in Poland for implementing "Operation Synchronization"—the imposition of martial law. As tension and secret police provocations increase, people realize that a confrontation with the regime is inevitable.

The film recounts true events that occurred just 10 days before martial law was introduced. On the initiative of Władysław Frasyniuk, then-chairman of the Lower Silesian branch of Solidarity, a group of three young activists managed to withdraw 80 million zlotys from a Wrocław bank. These union funds were taken just in time—on December 13, the account was frozen by communist authorities. The regime viewed this as a "bank heist" and frantically tried to recover the money. However, Cardinal Henryk Gulbinowicz became its guardian, hiding the funds in his private quarters at the Bishop’s Palace. The cash—saved almost miraculously—was later crucial in supporting the underground resistance in Wrocław.

The film's main characters are five brave activists—Maks, Józek, Władek, Piotrek, and Staszek—who will stop at nothing to bring down the communist system. The plot is inspired by real events that took place in Wrocław between August 1980 and August 1982.

Cast: Piotr Głowacki, Olga Frycz, Emilia Komarnicka, Wojciech Solarz, Marcin Bosak, Krzysztof Czeczot, Sonia Bohosiewicz

Filming locations: Wrocław (Grunwaldzki Bridge, Karłowice–Różanka, Grabiszyńska tram depot, Archbishop’s Palace on Katedralna Street, areas around the City Port)

Awards: Golden Clapper – Audience award for the most applauded film at the Gdynia Polish Film Festival

Co-producer: Lower Silesian Film Center.

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