To My Son in Spain: Finnish Canadians in the Spanish Civil War
To My Son
This documentary features the story of Jules Paivio, the last living Canadian volunteer of the infamous Mackenzie-Papineau Battallion of the “International Brigades”. When Jules left from his home near Port Arthur (Thunder Bay), Ontario, his father, a famous Finnish poet, wrote a lasting lament: “To My Son In Spain”. In 1936-37, 1700 Canadians volunteered to fight with the Spanish people against a fascist coup d’etat led by elements of the Spanish Army. Backed by Musselini and Hitler, the fascists were bent on overthrowing Spain’s democratically elected socialist government and replacing it with military and church rule. It could be argued this conflict marked the true beginning of what would become World War II.
Directed by Dave Clement · Written by Dave Clement
Cast
- Michelle Derosier Narrator
- Jules Päiviö Self, Spanish Civil War veteran
- Michael Petrou Self, author of 'Renegades: Canadians in the Spanish Civil War'
Make it a double feature
1h 12m together
To My Son in Spain: Finnish Canadians in the Spanish Civil War
Land Without Bread
A close match in mood and era.
