Shipbuilder

Shipbuilder

| 6 min

This film recreates the true story of Tom Sukanen, an eccentric Finnish immigrant who homesteaded in Saskatchewan in the 1920s and 1930s. Sukanen spent ten years building and moving overland a huge iron ship that was to carry him back to his native Finland. The ship never reached water.

What would drive a man to spend 10 years of his life building a ship in the middle of the prairie 17 miles (27 km) from the nearest body of water? In the case of Tom Sukanen, it might have something to do with returning to his native Finland to be reunited with the wife and baby he left behind. Shipbuilder explores the fine line between genius and madness as well as the great loneliness that afflict immigrants regardless of where they are.

Albert Ohayon
From the playlist: Canada’s Diverse Cultures

Pedagogical evaluations and study guides are only available to CAMPUS subscribers.

CAMPUS

Features designed specifically for teachers. Learn more

Already subscribed? Sign in

Credits
  • director
    Stephen Surjik
  • producer
    Charles Konowal
  • cinematography
    Charles Konowal
  • executive producer
    Michael Scott
  • script
    Ken Mitchell
  • editing
    Norm Sawchyn
  • sound editing
    Carol Wenaus
  • re-recording
    Jean-Pierre Joutel
  • narrator
    Kristjana Gunnars
  • music
    Marcelle Nokony
    Greg Zuck
  • cast
    Sasha Konowal
    Galen Wahlmeier


Shipbuilder
Purchase options
Also available
Already paid to see this film? .
  • Boz57

    Tragic story, he must have been very lonely.

    Boz57, 27 Mar 2020
  • farmer77

    Brilliant!

    farmer77, 5 Mar 2016
  • Pixelpump

    This is one of the saddest things I've ever seen :(

    Pixelpump, 25 Aug 2010

Embed this code on your site

Shipbuilder, Stephen Surjik, provided by the National Film Board of Canada

Video player width

by Reset
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