Piotr Szulkin, born in Poland, made his mark in the realm of science fiction with his 1981 film The War of the Worlds: Next Century, where he served as both director and writer. This film is a satirical reimagining of H.G. Wells' classic, reflecting Szulkin's distinctive voice in the genre. His work often explored themes of dystopia and societal critique, making him a significant figure in cult cinema. Szulkin's contributions to the genre resonate strongly within the SassyFlix catalog, showcasing his ability to blend narrative depth with genre conventions.
The War of the Worlds: Next Century
Film opens on December 28, 1999, three days before the dawn of the new century. A local reporter, Iron Idem, announces that the Martians have landed. Shortly after that his program loses its independence: he is given the script telling the crowds how to welcome the invaders. Then the chaos breaks out: the Martians and police mistreat the populace; things become violent. Idem’s own wife is kidnapped and it seems somebody is trying to reduce his effectiveness as a reporter. Idem decides to fight back: he illegally broadcasts a message during the rock concert, but nobody believes him anymore.