The Squamish Five (film)

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The Squamish Five
GenreDrama
Written byKen Gass
Terence McKenna
Directed by Paul Donovan
Starring Nicky Guadagni
Michael McManus
Robyn Stevan
Theme music composerMarty Simon
Country of originCanada
Original languageEnglish
Production
ProducerBernard Zukerman
Cinematography Richard Leiterman
EditorGordon McClellan
Running time85 minutes
Production company Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
Original release
Network CBC
ReleaseSeptember 16, 1988 (1988-09-16)

The Squamish Five is a Canadian docudrama television film, directed by Paul Donovan and broadcast by CBC Television in 1988. [1] The film dramatizes the story of the Squamish Five, the Canadian activist group responsible for the Litton Industries bombing of 1982. [2]

Contents

The film's cast included Nicky Guadagni as Ann Hansen, Michael McManus as Brent Taylor, Robyn Stevan as Juliet Belmas, Albert Schultz as Doug Stewart, and David McLeod as Gerry Hannah. [3]

The film faced some criticism for centring Belmas' perspective over those of the other members of the group; [4] however, the producers noted that since Belmas was the only one of the five who had agreed to cooperate with the filmmakers, hers was the only perspective available to build the film's story around. [5]

The film received a preview screening on September 16, 1988, at the 1988 Toronto International Film Festival, [6] in advance of its television premiere on November 6. [1]

Awards

AwardDate of CeremonyCategoryNomineesResultReference
Gemini Awards 1989 Best Television Movie or Miniseries Bernard Zukerman Won [7]
Best Supporting Actress in a Dramatic Program or Miniseries Nicky Guadagni Nominated [8]
Best Direction in a Dramatic Program or Miniseries Paul Donovan Nominated
Best Production Design or Art Direction Marian Wihak Nominated

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References

  1. 1 2 Gary Toushek, "An idealist lost in the urban guerrillas' jungle". The Globe and Mail , November 5, 1988.
  2. "Squamish Five subject of new TV movie". Montreal Gazette , December 30, 1987.
  3. Greg Quill, "They're the only terrorists we've got eh?". Toronto Star , November 5, 1988.
  4. Liam Lacey, "Squamish Five arouses anger". The Globe and Mail , October 5, 1988.
  5. Marke Andrews, "Belmas' help was key factor, say filmmakers". Vancouver Sun , October 3, 1988.
  6. Rick Groen, "Film festival features Milk and Honey". The Globe and Mail , July 20, 1988.
  7. "Geminis awarded last night". Montreal Gazette , December 5, 1989.
  8. "Going for Gemini glory". The Globe and Mail , October 26, 1989.