PETE – Moving Man Made Mountains Film Review

This film documents the life of Pete Friesen and his brilliance as a world-renowned engineer. Friesen was recognized as the top structural mover in the world. This film includes the history of his heritage, and how he ended up with a highly successful business. PETE was written, edited, and produced by William Stewart in 2007, with executive producer Peter Rowlands. The run time is 83 minutes, with narration by Dominik Dlouhy, and intro by W. Stewart. This film was dedicated to Pete and Edith Friesen’s sons Peter and Paul.

Pete Friesen was born in the Ukraine in 1922. His life was full of various achievements despite his difficult upbringing and minimal education. Friesen did not allow negative aspects of his past prevent him from accomplishing the unthinkable. This film includes a biography of Friesen, including some years prior to his birth, along with a brief history of Mennonite culture. Growing up years are addressed including Friesen’s family life, school experiences, and that which sparked his interest in engineering at an early age. Old film footage and photographs provide viewers with a sense of the time period, along with re-enacted scenes that contribute to the narrative.

Moving forward, each location that Friesen moved to and from is noted, along with work that he did in such places. Friesen faced many challenges but was recognized for his strong determination. Procedures of his work are discussed thoroughly. Photos, video footage and time lapses show various projects that Friesen engineered with great success. Friesen himself speaks throughout the film recalling his memories of significant instances, and describing his ways of working. Other interviewees commend Friesen for his remarkable skills and purposeful motivation. The film notes the awards that he received, along with the numerous Guinness World Records that he attained. Other aspects of the film include information on the woman he married and their children. This also addresses the unfortunate result of a busy work schedule which affected his sons negatively to the extreme.

This film is informative of Pete Friesen’s life events, and substantial in its content. The film has two short moments of violence where a woman is shot, and a man also. This is not graphic, yet may be unsuitable for young children.

-Teanna Rozek
2018-08-24

Bibliography

“Friesen, Peter Dietrich “Pete” (1922–2009)”. Gameo – Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. 1996-2018 by the Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Aug, 2018. Web.

“Pete Moving Man Made Mountains”. William Stewart. Red and Yellow Black and White Productions Inc. 2007.

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Prairie Pioneers Film Review

Prairie Pioneers discusses the lives of the Russian-Mennonites who settled in Manitoba in 1874. The film was produced and edited by Otto Klassen in cooperation with the Mennonite Historical Society in 2008. The run time is 43 minutes with narration by Al Reimer. This film begins by discussing the ways that the Mennonites adapted to conditions of an unfamiliar land. Reimer tells of the many aspects of life in Manitoba including types of construction, machinery, and transportation, while video footage is organized to provide visual examples.

Women’s roles in the communities are described along with their common types of work. The children’s chores are noted also. The men and boys’ work often took place in the fields. Some of these processes are explained in steps, such as the growing and harvesting of grain. Winter demanded alternative work for the Manitoba community, as it was too cold to continue farming in the same way that they had during other seasons. This information is thoroughly examined, including their types of dress and methods to keep warm during cold months.

It is acknowledged that the Mennonites made significant progress within early years of settling in their new homeland. Some of the accomplishments by these groups included sturdier homes to replace their initial structures, as well as churches, high schools, colleges and hospitals. As the vast majority of the Mennonite population settled in Manitoba and Winnipeg, the Mennonites played significant roles in the events that occurred throughout the years in these areas, such as the Manitoba Centennial in 1970. Footage of this event is included and discussed.

From this point in the film, Reimer explains many of the large events and celebrations that the Mennonites had a hand in. For example, scenes of parades are shown from the Altona Sunflower Festival. There are additional scenes of choirs, concerts, and the Mennonite Festival of Art and Music, along with information on some of the known Mennonite artists during that time.

Another focal point of the film looks at the Mennonite Village Museum in Steinbach and many of its events and activities that were held there. This includes footage of re-enactments that occurred on site, as well as imagery of the buildings that were modelled after authentic homes, house barns, and a windmill. The latter is noted to be the most significant of the buildings at the museum for reasons which are also defined. The process of building the windmill is described as well. Another of the various events in this film is Pioneer day which took place at the Museum, and related activities are demonstrated.

The footage of scenery, farm and wildlife included in the film gives viewers a good sense of the spotlighted province. The tone of the film is mainly that of a lighter one, as it focuses on the successes of the Mennonites once they were able to escape prior hardship. There is one scene which involves hog slaughtering, with some of this shown (which may be disturbing to some). The film is otherwise considered to be family friendly, yet because of the previously noted, viewer discretion is advised.
-Teanna Rozek
2018-08-24

Bibliography

“Prairie Pioneers – Mennonites in Manitoba”. Common Word Bookstore and Resource Center. CommonWord 2018. Aug, 2018. Web. https://www.commonword.ca/ResourceView/18/11778

“Prairie Pioneers”. Otto Klassen. Otto Klassen Productions. 2008.

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