New Film on First World War to Premiere November 4th at Community Auditorium

The Department of History is pleased to welcome faculty, staff and students to the premiere on 4 November of Where The Poppies Blow: The Lakehead at War, a new film by Dr. Ron Harpelle and Kelly Saxberg.

The docu-drama was produced with a focus on the Lakehead region’s participation of the First World War and as a commemoration of the end of the conflict in 1918. Where The Poppies Blow follows the story of the war through the experience of one soldier, highlighting the home front as well as events in Europe. It is intended as an educational film to inform people about the sacrifices that were made 100 years ago and about the many ways that people in our region participated in the conflict.

Funded by the City of Thunder Bay and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund, the film was shot in Super 16 mm and is a showcase of local talent, with dozens of actors, extras and crew from Thunder Bay and region. The film contains rare archival footage and photos and makes use of many items from the Thunder Bay Military Museum and Thunder Bay Historical Museum Society.

Lakehead University alumni, faculty, and students played important roles in the production and post-production phases of the project. A French language version of the film will soon be available and both versions will be posted online with Dr. Harpelle’s other films. 

Where The Poppies Blow will screen as part of the City of Thunder Bay’s commemoration event at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium on 4 November between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm. The event is a family friendly event and free and open to the public.