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The Auctioneer

This feature documentary is a portrait of Dale Menzak, an auctioneer specializing in the sale of family farms who also works part-time as an undertaker. Set against a backdrop of gorgeous prairie vistas, The Auctioneer observes Menzak from a respectful distance as he facilitates the difficult process of letting go.
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This feature documentary is a portrait of Dale Menzak, an auctioneer specializing in the sale of family farms who also works part-time as an undertaker. Set against a backdrop of gorgeous prairie vistas, The Auctioneer observes Menzak from a respectful distance as he facilitates the difficult process of letting go.

Agriculture All subjects
  • writer
    Clark Banack
  • director
    Hans Olson
  • producer
    Bonnie Thompson
  • editor
    Devinder Paul Singh
  • director of photography
    Mike McLaughlin
  • sound design
    Perry Blackman
    Brett Ardiel
  • participant
    Dale Menzak
    Gladys Menzak
    Serge Lutzak
    Pete Conway
    Len Kowalchuk
    Joyce Kowalchuk
    Chris Cartier
    Lan Chau
    Yvonne Fischer
    Alexandra Garcia
    Anna Garcia
    Elaine Garcia
    Janet Litun
    Edward McCormack
    Donna McCrimmon
    Linda Myshaniuk
    Carley Pawluk
  • sound recordist
    Larry MacDonald
  • production assistant
    Dylan Howard
    Susanne Hunka
    Susan Skaret
  • additional photography
    aAron Munson
    Art Raham
    Sergio Olivares
  • colourist
    Herman Ansink
  • online editor
    Kyle Braithwaite
  • research
    Clark Banack
    Hans Olson
  • transcription
    Clark Banack
    Hans Olson
  • research auctioneer
    Dennis Andruchow
    Norm Berg
    Doug Johnson
    Robert Lind
    Alvin Miller
    Allen Olson
    Gerald Zimmerman
  • production coordinator
    Ginette D'Silva
    Faye Yoneda
  • production supervisor
    Mark Power
  • marketing manager
    Leslie Stafford
  • program administrator
    Darin Clausen
  • executive producer
    David Christensen

Education

Ages 15 to 18

Notes

The Auctioneer reflects the changing economic climate of the Canadian Prairies. At 14:20, we hear reflections on times past, and following the final auction in the film Dale is told, “You’ve helped me move on.” These comments connect Dale’s careers as an auctioneer and undertaker, both of which focus on “transitions.” As a class, create a Venn diagram comparing the two jobs. How do you think Dale feels about his jobs? Content guide: Infrequent swearing

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The Auctioneer
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