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The Last Objectors

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Catalogue Number:  R31002
Producer:  Refuge 31 Films
Directors:  Wall, Andrew
Producing Agencies:  Farpoint Films, Refuge 31 Films
Subject:  Canadian History, Canadian Social Studies, Documentary, History, Social Studies, World History
Language:  English
Grade Level:  9 - 12, Post Secondary
Country Of Origin:  Canada
Copyright Year:  2016
Running Time:  45:03


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'The Last Objectors' is a documentary about Canada’s conscientious objectors of the Second World War who chose to perform alternative service instead of going to war. They would spend years working in forestry camps, hospitals, asylums and various other positions throughout the country with little pay and no benefits.

More than 11,000 Mennonites, Quakers, Hutterites and other pacifists across Canada refused to take up arms during the Second World War on the grounds of their faith. The Last Objectors tells their story through intimate interviews, as well as existing photographs and footage.

Many conscientious objectors were sent to Alternative Service — often brutal, demanding and at times dangerous work in mines, forestry, on farms and factories. Some would also work in the medical field, some as military medics at the front, or staffing Canadian mental hospitals. Their story offers insight into timely questions around the conflict between personal convictions and civic duty, and how we address human rights in the context of war.

WINNER – Best Feature Documentary - Winnipeg Real to Reel Film Festival

WINNER – GOLD – Best Documentary

World Documentary Awards, Bali, Indonesia – 2016

WINNER – SILVER – World Humanitarian Award




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