The Squamish Five (film) explained

Genre:Drama
Director:Paul Donovan
Starring:Nicky Guadagni
Michael McManus
Robyn Stevan
Theme Music Composer:Marty Simon
Country:Canada
Language:English
Producer:Bernard Zukerman
Editor:Gordon McClellan
Cinematography:Richard Leiterman
Runtime:85 minutes
Company:Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
Network:CBC

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]

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

!Award!Date of Ceremony!Category!Nominees!Result!Reference
Gemini Awards1989Best Television Movie or MiniseriesBernard Zukerman[7]
Best Supporting Actress in a Dramatic Program or MiniseriesNicky Guadagni[8]
Best Direction in a Dramatic Program or MiniseriesPaul Donovan
Best Production Design or Art DirectionMarian Wihak

Notes and References

  1. 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.