Otto Klassen Film Night

7:00 Premiere of The Burden of the Soviet Star

• After the Russian Revolution, famine, and the Great War, Stalin’s communism was an even harsher burden especially for those exiled to labor camps. The camps were in isolated areas where conditions were notoriously horrible. (Chapel C16)

8:00 refreshments

8:30-9:30 Three films to choose from

• Remembering Our Mennonite Heritage
  The persecuted Anabaptist-Mennonites emigrated to Polish-Prussia in the 16th century. 250 years later half of them moved to Russia to reestablish their communities. Here they flourished but this era came to an end with the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917.  (Chapel C16)
• Pioneers of the Chaco, Paraguay
  The harsh environment of the Paraguayan Chaco did not scare off the Mennonites who moved there from Canada in the 1920s. With their faith they forged a path into the wilderness which others would soon follow. The heirs of these pioneers have been reaping the rewards based on the pioneers’ courage. ( Lecture Hall D30)
• Personal Experiences of Mennonites from Russia
  A presentation of four short Otto Klassen Productions featuring speakers such as Dr. Marlene Epp, Professor of History, University of Waterloo; story-teller Peter J. Dyck, teacher Gerhard Ens and others on Mennonites who experienced trauma and terror during early Soviet communism through to World War II. (MHC Gallery )

Free Admission

There will be opportunity to acquire a personal copy of an Otto Klassen Production film on DVD (from a selected list) including any film shown this evening for a minimum $30.00 donation to the “Text to Terabyte Project” (see http://www.mennonitechurch.ca/tiny/1211)

In support of Mennonite Heritage Centre and Centre for Mennonite Brethren Studies.

For more information contact Alf Redekopp at 204-888-6781 or aredekopp@mennonitechurch.ca