Highlighting the province's proud military history is the focal point of a new film receiving funding as part of Alberta's centennial.
The film, to be directed by Paul Gross, follows a Calgary soldier's experiences at home and on the front lines of World War I. It culminates at the battle of Passchendaele, considered by many to be a defining moment in Canada's military identity. Canadian soldiers successfully took the Belgian town in a 16-day offensive, after almost three months of allied fighting failed to make progress. Twenty thousand Canadian soldiers entered the offensive; 5,000 never came home. Nine Canadians were awarded the Victoria Cross.
Passchendaele will be filmed in May and August in Calgary, around the Suffield Base and in Europe.
The anticipated release date is November 11, 2006. The total cost of the project is over $16 million, with the Government of Alberta committing $5.5 million.
As another lasting tribute to veterans, the Government of Alberta will be presenting a 14-karat gold centennial medallion and a special certificate to each Royal Canadian Legion across the province.