First Winter
This historical drama features the first winter spent in Canada by a family of Irish immigrants deep in the Ottawa Valley. The year is 1830. Because the father is working in a logging camp, the mother has sole charge of the family. Sickness overtakes her, and she dies. The children are left on their own to survive. The film graphically illustrates the enormous hardships endured by the first settlers who had to cope with a climate with which they were unfamiliar. A beautiful, moving film.
This historical drama features the first winter spent in Canada by a family of Irish immigrants deep in the Ottawa Valley. The year is 1830. Because the father is working in a logging camp, the mother has sole charge of the family. Sickness overtakes her, and she dies. The children are left on their own to survive. The film graphically illustrates the enormous hardships endured by the first settlers who had to cope with a climate with which they were unfamiliar. A beautiful, moving film.
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directorJohn N. Smith
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producerJohn N. SmithSam Grana
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executive producerRoman Kroitor
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scriptGloria DemersCynthia Scott
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photographyDavid De Volpi
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soundJacques Drouin
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editingRichard Todd
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sound editingJackie Newell
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musicTadhg De Brun
Warnings: Loss of a parent could trigger some students.
What are the push and pull factors involved in this family’s decision to immigrate to Canada? Describe the day-to-day life of this family while the father is in a logging camp. Interview an immigrant to Canada and compare/contrast their experience with this family. How does the loss of a parent impact the development of a child? How is this depicted in the film? What role does religion have in this family and their culture?
First Winter, John N. Smith, provided by the National Film Board of Canada