Radio documentary
Title: 'The Longest March'
Author: Kamil Hypki, (Poland)
To watch the video with English subtitles, click “Watch on YouTube.”
The Longest March, a radio documentary by Kamil Hypki, was awarded First Prize in the ENRS Journalism Awards 2026 for outstanding critical journalism exploring lesser-known chapters of local history in Zielona Góra (formerly Grünberg).
The story begins at the Deutsche Wollenwaren Manufaktur AG in Grünberg, where from 1942 the factory used forced labour from female prisoners, mainly Jewish women deported from Poland and Hungary. On 29 January 1945, around 2,000 prisoners were divided into two groups and forced to leave the camp. One group marched until 5 May 1945, covering nearly 800 kilometres, making it the longest evacuation march of prisoners during the Second World War.
Through the voices of female survivors, witnesses, and historians, the documentary uncovers a remarkable and largely forgotten story. Based on careful archival research and the search for surviving witnesses, the programme reveals how history emerges gradually through personal testimonies, memories, and local archives.
By tracing these stories, The Longest March offers a powerful example of journalism that connects local history with broader historical reflection, reminding us how individual experiences shape our understanding of the past.