International Filmfestival Plock
The jury awarded film: CULTURAL TOURISM - Sadrolin Tam, "Wieliczka - the Salt of the Earth", Sweden
This film has been recognized for its depiction or promotion of cultural heritage, highlighting the famous Wieliczka Salt Mine in Poland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its historical and cultural significance.
The film was awarded for its impact on the promotion of cultural tourism and effectively demonstrated the cultural and historical significance of the Wieliczka Salt Mine, encouraging tourism and wider appreciation of this cultural heritage.
International Tourfilm Festival Award
Special Award of Tourist Organization of Brus for best tourist film
The special award from the tourism organization Brus is likely recognition for excellence in promoting tourism through film. In this case, the prize was awarded to the film "Wieliczka - the Salt of the Earth"considered to be the best tourist film,
"Wieliczka - the salt of the earth" by Sadrolin Tam received this special award for being the best tourist film.
This award highlights the film's contribution to the tourism industry by engaging audiences and potentially increasing interest in visiting the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
International film Festival Award
Special Award of Nature Protection Institute of Serbia for the best ecology film
The Special Award of the Nature Protection Institute of Serbia for the best ecology film is a recognition given to a film that excels in promoting environmental awareness and protection. This award would be presented to a film that effectively highlights ecological issues, the importance of nature conservation, or the relationship between humans and the environment.
The Special Award was awarded to the film »Wieliczka - The Salt of the Earth», Director: Sadrolin Tam, Sweden which showcases the natural environment, focusing on the conservation efforts related to the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
The film has been recognized for its educational impact and its ability to inspire action or awareness about environmental protection.
Brus Tourist Organization
Award Documents
Double Award for the Film Wieliczka – The Salt of the Earth
At the 1st International Festival of Tourist Films in Płock (September 20-24), the film Wieliczka – The Salt of the Earth, which takes viewers on a journey through the legendary underground world of the Wieliczka Salt Mine, was awarded in the "Promotion of Cultural Tourism" category. Additionally, the Wieliczka Salt Mine received a special recognition at the Mefest 2006 Festival in Serbia.
The International Festival of Tourist Films aims to promote films, TV productions, audiovisual content, and multimedia projects that highlight the role of tourism across various dimensions: cultural, social, economic, scientific, and more. It also showcases environmental resources, infrastructure, and hospitality through the lens of tourism.
Over 60 films from around the world competed at the festival. In addition to the main competition, various audiovisual projects and multimedia presentations were displayed, focusing on the importance of tourism in diverse fields.
Awards were given in 10 categories, with recognition for originality, cinematography, soundtrack, and contributions to cultural, religious, and ecological tourism. A special “Tourist 2006” statuette was awarded to Krzysztof Zanussi for his remarkable contribution to film.
Wieliczka – Salt of the Earth was praised for its poetic portrayal of the Wieliczka Salt Mine, one of Poland’s most iconic landmarks. The film immerses the audience in the mine's rich history, showcasing its art, traditions, and underground wonders. It also shines a light on the present-day life of this subterranean marvel, still vibrant with cultural events and celebrations. Directed by Swedish filmmaker Sadrolin Tam, the film is a visual exploration of one of the world’s great underground treasures.
The Płock Festival was organized by Business Integration Group sp. z o.o. and the “EUROPE 2004” Foundation, in cooperation with the Płock City Office. The International Tourfilm Festival, led by Dr. Antonio Conte, coordinated the event.
Additionally, Wieliczka – Salt of the Earth received a special award for Best Tourist Film at the 14th International Festival of Tourism, Ecology, Sports, and Gastronomy, Mefest 2006, in Serbia. During the Płock Festival, Gavrilo Azinovic, a member of the Honorary Committee, presented a sculpture award to the Wieliczka delegation.
Wieliczka Salt Mine – A Model Employer
The Wieliczka Salt Mine, the focus of the acclaimed film Wieliczka – Salt of the Earth, was honored as the "Solid Employer of the Year 2005" for the Małopolska Province. This prestigious national award, granted by Przegląd Gospodarczy Gazeta Prawna, was presented on March 15 to the mine’s director, Zbigniew Zarębski. Sixteen awards were distributed across Poland, with Wieliczka standing out as the leading employer in Małopolska, ahead of renowned companies such as Enion and Rafineria Trzebinia.
The selection process focused on employment growth, job stability, and working conditions over the past five years. The mine's commitment to employee welfare—including timely wage payments, comprehensive training, and career development opportunities—was a key factor in securing this honor.
The competition aimed to highlight the importance of employment stability and social responsibility. Wieliczka’s long-term investment in employee development, through tailored training programs and motivational pay systems, helped it emerge as a top employer in the region.
Wieliczka, March 15, 2006