Western Brigade

Horse Drawn Magic

1979

This documentary short introduces us to the Caravan Stage Company, the world's only horse-drawn open-air theater. Every summer it tours British Columbia and Alberta, bringing live entertainment to communities where television is often the main diversion. In a montage of short sketches, the film shows the troupe on the road and in performance. Hard work and laughter are basic ingredients of this unconventional lifestyle.

The Hutterites

1964

A look at the Hutterites, an Anabaptist religious community similar to the Amish or the Mennonites in rural Alberta.

Alberta : A Centennial Forest History

2005

A documentary describing the forests of Alberta - their history, contribution, diversity, and bounty. Made in conjunction with Alberta's 2005 centennial anniversary celebration.

Hotshot

2023

Imagine fighting a million acre wildfire, by hand, without any water. That's exactly what a Hotshot does. Hotshots are like the Navy SEALs of wildland fire. They are the most elite, the most hardened, and the most skilled men and women on the fireline.

Nos hommes dans l'Ouest

2017

A different perspective on the exile and social impact of major projects such as oil sands mining in Alberta, Canada. These large-scale projects, based on economic growth, also have human costs that change the cultural face of the regions on a small or large scale. Over a six-month period, three families from the Acadian Peninsula in New Brunswick opened their doors and hearts to director Renée Blanchar and her team. A film about exile, choice of life, values, but especially absence; absence being probably the highest price to pay for each member of these families.

Fires of Kuwait

1992

After Saddam Hussein had the Kuwait Oil wells lit up, teams from all over the world fought those fires for months. They had to save the oil resources, as well as reduce air pollution. The different teams developed different techniques of extinguishing the fires. Man's emergency creativity can be seen at it's best.

Living Without Menace

2022

Since 1950, Alberta's fabled Rat Patrol has kept the province rat-free. But as pest control meets ecology in the 21st century, what does the future hold for this mythic institution and their "enemy?"

Elk Island

1985

This short documentary focuses on a man-made island that became the first federal sanctuary for wildlife in Canada. Situated an hour east of Edmonton, it houses one of the world's densest collections of wildlife, maintained by Parks Canada. Elk Island offers a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes activity of the island.

Les Mégafeux, la nouvelle guerre du feu

2022

Water at the Door: The High River Flood

2013

A one hour documentary on the aftermath of the 2013 Alberta Floods in the town of High River.

Mike on the Farm

2022

89-year-old Italian immigrant Mike Nardone operates a farm all by himself in Alberta, Canada.

Fire Brigade

1896

4 horse drawn fire brigade carts pull out from Newcastle fire station in the UK as part of a filmed demonstration