To My Son in Spain: Finnish Canadians in the Spanish Civil War (2009)
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.
Cast
- Michelle Derosier - Narrator
- Jules Päiviö - Self, Spanish Civil War veteran
- Michael Petrou - Self, author of 'Renegades: Canadians in the Spanish Civil War'
Screenplay
Keywords
spain, spanish civil war (1936-39), anti-fascism, international brigades, canadian volunteers
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is To My Son in Spain: Finnish Canadians in the Spanish Civil War about?
- 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.
- Who directed To My Son in Spain: Finnish Canadians in the Spanish Civil War?
- To My Son in Spain: Finnish Canadians in the Spanish Civil War was directed by Dave Clement.
- Who stars in To My Son in Spain: Finnish Canadians in the Spanish Civil War?
- To My Son in Spain: Finnish Canadians in the Spanish Civil War stars Michelle Derosier, Jules Päiviö, Michael Petrou.
- How long is To My Son in Spain: Finnish Canadians in the Spanish Civil War?
- To My Son in Spain: Finnish Canadians in the Spanish Civil War has a runtime of 42m (42 minutes).
- What genre is To My Son in Spain: Finnish Canadians in the Spanish Civil War?
- To My Son in Spain: Finnish Canadians in the Spanish Civil War is a Documentary film.