The NFB is committed to respecting your privacy

We use cookies to ensure that our site works efficiently, as well as for advertising purposes.

If you do not wish to have your information used in this way, you can modify your browser settings before continuing your visit.

Learn more
Skip to content Accessibility

The Pacifist Who Went to War

This documentary is the story of two Mennonite brothers from Manitoba who were forced to make a decision in 1939, as Canada joined World War II. In the face of 400 years of pacifist tradition, should they now go to war? Ted became a conscientious objector while his brother went into military service. Fifty years later, the town of Winkler dedicates its first war memorial and John begins to share his war experiences with Ted.
Your rental expires on
None
You've already purchased this film.
Download it from My purchases.

Details

This documentary is the story of two Mennonite brothers from Manitoba who were forced to make a decision in 1939, as Canada joined World War II. In the face of 400 years of pacifist tradition, should they now go to war? Ted became a conscientious objector while his brother went into military service. Fifty years later, the town of Winkler dedicates its first war memorial and John begins to share his war experiences with Ted.

Religion, Beliefs and Ethics Social Issues War, Conflict and Peace Cultural Diversity and Multiculturalism All subjects
  • director
    David Neufeld
  • narration - writer
    Kenneth George Godwin
    David Neufeld
  • producer
    Joe MacDonald
  • executive producer
    Graydon McCrea
  • editor
    Kenneth George Godwin
  • narrator
    Margaret Nagle
  • original music composer
    Randolph Peters
  • cinematographer
    Claude Savard
  • music performer
    Randolph Peters
    Yuri Hooker
    Arkadiusz Tesarczyk
  • additional cinematography
    Trevor Wilson
  • assistant camera
    Gabriel Lévesque
    Mike Yaremchuk
    Chris Spelay
    Andrew Coppin
  • location sound
    Jay Garuk
  • additional sound
    Larry MacDonald
    Jeff Henschel
  • key grip
    John Holowka
  • grip
    Bruce Claydon
  • makeup artist
    Cindy Smith
    Jennifer Machnee
  • research
    Jan King
    Louise Moyes
  • consultant
    Norma Bailey
    Patricia Bailey
  • production manager
    Sandra Moore
  • publicity stills
    Rob Barrow
  • sound editor
    Saul Henteleff
  • re-recording engineer
    Bruce Little
  • music recording
    John Schritt
  • online editor
    Tony Wytinck
  • production assistant
    Melanie Coad
    Monique Perron
  • production supervisor
    Scott Collins
  • production clerk
    Rolande Petit
  • program administrator
    Cyndi Forcand
  • video post-production
    Midcanada Productions Services

Education

Ages 15 to 17

Notes

Have students name famous pacifists throughout history. Explain to the class who the Mennonites are and why it is that war especially impacts their lives. Hold a class debate on whether young men and women should be exempted from military service in the time of war because of their religious beliefs. Read the poem ."The Pacifist" by Hilaire Belloc.

More educational content

The Pacifist Who Went to War
Purchase options
Licence Information
Already paid to see this film?
Licence Information
Download licence details
Personal & Single-Classroom Use

Who it’s for:

Individuals watching for personal use, and parents or teachers wishing to screen a film for a single class in Canada.

What it allows:

  • Private, personal viewing in Canada and worldwide.
  • Screening the film for a single class in Canada.
  • Downloading and watching offline.

What it does not allow:

  • Screenings or events for multiple classes, school boards, or campus-wide events.
  • Community, public or institutional screenings or events.

Bonus materials are not included with the downloaded film.

Institutional Use

Who it's for:

Organizations, government departments, businesses and non-profits. For other institutions seeking licensing options, please contact info@nfb.ca .

What it allows:

  • Internal screenings for employees, members or patrons.
  • Screenings open to the public on the organization’s premises, with no admission fee and outside the commercial cinema circuit.
Looking to host a one-time public screening instead?

Who it's for:

Public libraries, community groups, NGOs and other organizations wishing to host a one-time public screening in Canada with no admission fee.

How to request a screening:

Complete the “Request to screen an NFB film” form.

For any questions, email communityscreenings@nfb.ca.

Streaming restrictions

Films purchased as downloads (DTO) cannot be hosted on a streaming server without prior authorization.

To request permission to add these films to an institutional or educational streaming server, contact info@nfb.ca.