Teaser
- \'Muskeg Special\' was a local name for the train which lurched over undulating tracks built upon permanently frozen muskeg. Sleek blue rail cars, streaked with the word \'VIA\' in large yellow letters, provided the main connection between tiny settlements supporting fishing activity on surrounding pristine lakes and the networks of trap lines which extended for many miles into the forests. The pleasant qualities of the tranquil north were reflected in the leisurely pace of individuals who inhabited cheerfully painted houses, and the serene natural beauty of the landscape they enjoyed.
Synopsis
- The documentary records the activities of people living in small communities along the Hudson Bay Rail line during the summer of 1979, and reflects the leisurely pace of a traditional way of life based on trapping and fishing. The cultural significance of this unique era in the history of Northern Canada has been preserved in a format capable of being viewed by current and future generations.
MUSKEG SPECIAL began as an independent documentary commemorating the 50th Anniversary
of completion of the railway from The Pas to Churchill, in Northern Manitoba, Canada.
During the summer of 1979, the film\'s director, Gregory Zbitnew, and an intrepid crew
from the Winnipeg Film Group, recorded footage of many unique individuals
then living in small communities along the Hudson Bay Rail Line.
Originally, 12,600 feet of colour 16mm film was processed and workprinted;
(equivalent in running time to about 5.5 hours). In addition, approximately
12 hours of sound was recorded on 1/4 inch audio tape.
[Transcript of unedited footage provides a list of communities and people interviewed]
In 2006, Dream Logic Corporation obtained sponsorship to finance digitization
of the film and sound, and by June 2007, editing and design of the DVD was completed.
\'Muskeg Special\' also includes excerpts of 16mm movie film originally recorded
by George Coutts (in the early 1930\'s) along the rail line and at the Port of Churchill.
Footage used with permission from the Provincial Archives of Manitoba.
Crew
- Director: Gregory Zbitnew
- Screenplay: Gregory Zbitnew
- Director of photography: Victor Dobchuk
- Editor (Cut): Gregory Zbitnew
- Production company: Dream logic cooperation
- Uploaded by: Dream logic cooperation
