Shipbuilder (1985)
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?
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.
Director: Stephen Surjik
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 6 min
Release Date: January 1, 1985
Cast
- Kristjana Gunnars - Narrator
- Galen Wahlmeier - Tom Sukanen
- Sasha Konowal - Little Girl
Screenplay
Music: Marcelle Nokony, Greg Zuck
Editing: Norman Sawchyn
Production: ONF | NFB
Country: Canada
Language: English
Original Language: en
Keywords
immigrant, canada, mental illness, farming, saskatchewan, prairies, eccentric man, transporting boat
Trailer
Shipbuilder TrailerMore Films by Director: Stephen Surjik
More Films in Genre: Documentary
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Shipbuilder about?
- 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.
- Who directed Shipbuilder?
- Shipbuilder was directed by Stephen Surjik.
- Who stars in Shipbuilder?
- Shipbuilder stars Kristjana Gunnars, Galen Wahlmeier, Sasha Konowal.
- How long is Shipbuilder?
- Shipbuilder has a runtime of 6m (6 minutes).
- What genre is Shipbuilder?
- Shipbuilder is a Documentary film.
- Where was Shipbuilder produced?
- Shipbuilder was produced in Canada.