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Strangers at the Door

1977 28 min
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This drama tells the harrowing story of an immigrant family in the New World. On arrival in Canada, their hopes for a better life were dashed when immigration officials refused to grant entry to their daughter. During a routine medical examination it was found that Kasia had contracted an infectious eye disease. She is separated from her family and sent back to Europe alone.

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Strangers at the Door

Details

This drama tells the harrowing story of an immigrant family in the New World. On arrival in Canada, their hopes for a better life were dashed when immigration officials refused to grant entry to their daughter. During a routine medical examination it was found that Kasia had contracted an infectious eye disease. She is separated from her family and sent back to Europe alone.

  • director
    John Howe
  • producer
    John Howe
    Maxine Samuels
    Roman Kroitor
  • script
    Nika Rylski
  • camera
    Savas Kalogeras
  • sound
    Jacques Drouin
  • editing
    John Kramer
  • sound editing
    Bernard Bordeleau
  • music
    Larry Crosley
  • cast
    George Popovich
    Elaine Reade
    Maruska Stankova
    Vlasta Vrana

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Education

Ages 14 to 18
School subjects

Warnings: Theme of family separation may be triggering for some students based on immigration experiences; young child’s genitals are briefly shown being washed.

Describe the conditions on the ship that brought immigrants to Canada. Research Canada’s current immigration system. Could a similar situation to that of Kasia’s family be experienced today in Canada? Describe emotions that would have been experienced by different family members throughout this experience (arrival in Canada, medical diagnosis, family separation). What are some of the push/pull factors that would have led Kasia’s family to Canada rather than somewhere else?

Strangers at the Door
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