Orchard Lake, MI – The Polish Institute of Culture & Research at Orchard Lake (PICROL) is proud to present the North American premiere of Covenant of Blood: The Last Soldiers of World War II on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Galeria on the campus of Orchard Lake Schools.
Fresh from a sold-out screening in Liverpool, England, the acclaimed documentary by filmmaker Patrick Ney (United Kingdom) and Stefan Tompson explores the extraordinary story of Poland’s anti-communist resistance fighters, known as the Cursed Soldiers, who continued their fight for independence long after World War II had officially ended.
Through survivor testimony, archival materials, and extensive historical research, the film brings to light a chapter of European history that remained suppressed for decades under communist rule. It tells the stories of men and women who endured imprisonment, torture, and execution rather than surrender their vision of a free Poland.
The evening will also feature a special screening of 947 Days in Auschwitz, a companion documentary chronicling the remarkable life of Witold Pilecki, the Polish resistance hero who voluntarily entered Auschwitz to organize resistance and gather intelligence on Nazi atrocities from within the camp.
Following the screenings, guests will have the opportunity to meet filmmaker Patrick Ney during a discussion and reception.
“This premiere reflects the very heart of our mission,” said Ania Bieciuk, Associate Director for Polonia Affairs at the Polish Institute of Culture & Research at Orchard Lake. “The Galeria exists to preserve and share the stories that have shaped the Polish experience. Covenant of Blood reminds us that freedom is never guaranteed and that the courage of ordinary people can change the course of history. We are honored to bring this important film to North American audiences and to welcome Patrick Ney to Orchard Lake.”
For filmmaker Patrick Ney, the documentary is about restoring voices that history nearly erased.
“For decades, the story of the Cursed Soldiers was deliberately hidden,” said Patrick Ney. “These men and women refused to accept tyranny after surviving one of the darkest periods in human history. Their sacrifice deserves to be remembered not only in Poland but around the world. I am deeply honored that the North American premiere will take place at Orchard Lake, an institution dedicated to preserving Polish history and identity.”
Created independently by Patrick Ney and Stefan Tompson and funded entirely through public support, Covenant of Blood has received international acclaim for its compelling storytelling and commitment to historical truth.
The event is open to the public with a free will donation. Seating is limited, and advance registration is encouraged.
Event Details:
North American Premiere
Covenant of Blood: The Last Soldiers of World War II
Saturday, June 20, 2026
7:00 PM
Galeria at Orchard Lake Schools
3535 Indian Trail
Orchard Lake, MI 48324
Admission: Free Will Donation
Reserve your place at www.picrol.org.
About the Polish Institute of Culture & Research at Orchard Lake
Founded in 1885, the Polish Institute of Culture & Research at Orchard Lake preserves, promotes, and shares the rich history, culture, and contributions of Poland and the Polish American experience through exhibitions, concerts, lectures, educational programming, and archival collections. The Galeria serves as a vibrant cultural destination where history, art, and scholarship come together for audiences of all backgrounds.