That Never Happened: Canada's First National Internment Operations

That Never Happened: Canada's First National Internment Operations is a stirring and historically significant documentary that was released in 2017 and was partially constructed through the contributions of Peter Mansbridge, one of Canada's most high-profile and reputable journalists.

The movie delves into an often overlooked part of Canada's history, revealing a harsh reality that is largely forgotten and untaught in the country's mainstream narrative. The title, "That Never Happened", is a poignant allusion to the obscurity that shrouds these past events, underscoring the erasure of a disheartening period from national consciousness.

This documentary explores the largely untold story of Canada's first national internment operations from 1914 to 1920. During World War I, over 8000 people were deemed enemies of the state and held captive, simply because they originated from the countries of the Central Powers. These 'aliens', most of them Ukrainian, were rounded up by the Canadian Government and incarcerated in forced labour camps across the country. Segmented from society and subjected to grueling manual labour, the people bore the brunt of patriotism intertwined with xenophobia.

The invaluable contribution of Peter Mansbridge as the narrator lends an air of veracity to this piece, his measured tones lending a compelling layer to the narrative. His authoritative voice explores the heartbreaking stories of families torn apart, the harsh conditions of the internment camps, including Castle Mountain in Alberta and Spirit Lake in Quebec, and the staggering silence that followed in the historical records. Mansbridge's voice weaves a riveting if deeply saddening account of this unjust chapter in Canadian history.

Various historians, researchers, and individuals with personal connections to the camps feature prominently in "That Never Happened". The film incorporates traditional documentary forms like talking head interviews and historical footages alongside more unconventional methods such as animations. This multi-pronged approach paints a fuller picture of the dark chapter of Canada's history, balancing textual explanation, maps, photos and other archival material with emotional, firsthand anecdotes.

What amplifies the impact the film has on its audience is its focus on descendants of internees. Our understanding of the internment is further bolstered by these individuals who help to personalize the past, recounting oral histories and familial stories that pass down through the generations. This actively combats a major theme of the film, the erasure of this history, with their vivid, heartfelt stories ensuring that the past is not forgotten but instead acknowledged and remembered.

The strength of "That Never Happened" also lies in its exploration of the official acknowledgment of these historical events, or lack thereof. The film explores the Canadian government's stance on these events, and the long battle for formal recognition that the Ukrainian community faced.

The documentary visually emphasizes this erasure of the past by frequently returning to textured shots of empty, vast Canadian landscapes. The peaceful tranquility of these wide-open spaces often gets abruptly juxtaposed against the stark, bleak images of the internment camps and of those who were forced to toil. The raw, visual storytelling subtly implies the paradox that such beautiful landscapes hold such dark secrets, effectively hinting at the incongruity of national identity that such historical events create.

"That Never Happened" differs from igniting a blame-game; instead, it highlights the urgency in recognizing and acknowledging these past injustices as a necessary step towards reconciliation. It creates an empathetic space for those personally tied to these events, and simultaneously implores all viewers to reflect on this period of history, to learn from it, and to ensure such transgressions never happen again.

Ryan Boyko directs the notice-worthy documentary. Coupled with Peter Mansbridge's dynamic narrating, Boyko illuminates a story that echoes profound human resilience, defiance against forgotten histories, and the ongoing crusade for recognition, lending viewers an exhaustively researched and meticulously curated history lesson.

"That Never Happened" is an important watch. It not only pushes the boundary of traditional historical documentaries but also allows for a more cognizant reflection on one's past, a past that is integral to the collective Canadian identity. The film is a testimony to the need for remembrance of all aspects of history, even the less than glamorous parts. As such, this documentary is an invitation to understanding, empathy, and the continuous quest for justice, making for a viewing experience that is as emotionally powerful as it is enlightening.