Jane Rogoyska | |
---|---|
Occupation | writer, filmmaker |
Language | English |
Nationality | British |
Education | Cambridge University |
Notable works | Gerda Taro: Inventing Robert Capa |
Notable awards | Mark Lynton History Prize (2022) |
Website | |
janerogoyska |
Jane Rogoyska is British writer and filmmaker of Polish origin, best known for her books Gerda Taro: Inventing Robert Capa,[1][2][3][4] Kozlowski (2020 Desmond Elliott Prize longlist), and Surviving Katyn (2022 Mark Lynton History Prize winner).[5]
Rogoyska's grandfather served in Intelligence during the 1910s-1920s and, as deputy director of the Bank of Poland when World War II started, fled with his family on a government train that helped take gold secretly out of the country.[6] Rogoyska's father grew up in England and married an Englishwoman. Rogoyska grew up in England and only learned Polish as an adult.[6] She received an MA in modern languages from Christ's College, Cambridge University and an MA in film production from the Northern Film School (Leeds) and Polish National Film School (Łodź).[1][3][7]
Rogoyska made short films and commercials until 2010, when she refocused on writing, with particular interest in the 1930s through the Cold War.[1][2] The 2013 book Gerda Taro: Inventing Robert Capa explores Taro's life and relationship with Capa.[3][8][9] The 2021 book Surviving Katyn examines the history of the Katyn Massacre.[10][11][12] During research, she discovered that her own great-uncle Ludwik Rynkowski was one of the victims at Katyn.[6]
Rogoyska has also taught at the National Film & Television School, Derby University, Greenwich University, Royal College of Music, and the University of London.[7]