Southwest Cultural Development Group and the Lyric Theatre present a triple feature of three NFB documentaries celebrating Saskatchewan on screen: Drylanders (1962), Paper Wheat (1979), and How the Fiddle Flows (2002). These films capture prairie history, community, and culture, and are not to be missed. All ages welcome.

Film Descriptions:

• Drylanders (1962, 69 minutes) – A Saskatchewan-shot feature filmed in and around Swift Current, following a homesteading family through decades of life on the Prairies. This epic drama looks at the opening of the Canadian West and the drought that led to the Depression in the Thirties. It is the saga of a family who left Eastern Canada to stake their future in the Prairies. Principle roles are played by Frances Hyland and James Douglas.

• Paper Wheat (1979, 57 minutes) – A film about the play of the same name, describing the harsh lives of the early Saskatchewan settlers and the foundation of the Co-op movement on the Prairies. With great sensitivity and ingenious staging, the 25th Street House Theatre troupe brings to life an era in Canadian history–the development of the west.

• How the Fiddle Flows (2002, 48 minutes) – It’s high summer in southern Saskatchewan and a rollicking tune fills the night. Four master Metis fiddlers play to the tapping toes of a lively crowd. From the Gaspé Peninsula, north to Hudson Bay and to the Prairies, How the Fiddle Flows reveals how a distinctive Metis identity and culture were shaped over time. Featuring soaring performances by some of Canada’s best-known fiddlers and step dancers and narrated by award-winning actress Tantoo Cardinal.

This event is free and no pre-registration is required.

For more information, contact Roxanne Cote at roxanne.lyrictheatre@gmail.com