The Ghosts of Oakalla and the Heroes of Kandahar

The Ghosts of Oakalla are alive and waiting to be caught on camera. When I began this project I understood its potential but I had no idea so much worthwhile material would emerge, or that I would have so many fascinating people step forward with great stories. There have been many consultations by phone, email or visit, and I have agreement with more than a dozen candidates for on camera interviews. All have agreed to wait until I have secured funding for producing the films. In the meantime I continue with the research and development of scripts. Almost everything that will appear on screen has never been seen by the general public. Where my initial film, OAKALLA, was largely historical in content, the feature will delve into issues which will make some uncomfortable. The content will often be hard hitting and it is clear that most of it will have to be vetted by a lawyer with a working knowledge of investigative journalism. Several ex-staff from Oakalla Prison have mentioned the "gag" provision of their employment contract.

OAKALLA : This is the DVD cover printed for distribution of a preview disc. Only a few copies are in circulation and a few were produced for legal deposit in B.C. and Ottawa. I have hope of a screening in November.

Many truly fascinating photographs and artifacts have turned up, and been offered for use in the production. I know they will amaze even those who worked inside Oakalla, because it's a graphic record which is simply not supposed to exist. But it does exist.

TF 3-09 KANDAHAR BOUND - One of the interests around the Jack household is following Canada's war in Afghanistan. Our daughter, Capt. Elizabeth Jack, left this week with the current rotation of troops which is designated TF 3-09. We are very proud of her and we fervently wish all of the brave men and women of the Task Force the best of luck and great success in their work.

To improvise or to modify? Student director Philip Jack has been spreading cash at TOYS R US, the HOME DEPOT and anywhere he can find bits and pieces needed to assemble props needed for his grad-film. (This one will get a longer barrel and target designator.) The script for his Science Fiction story IMMINENT CONTACT is tweaked, the film is cast, and his crew at Simon Fraser University shoot later this month.

A Film Festival for Burnaby - One of the realities of urban culture is that the cities which you and I call home and pay our taxes to, often take a back seat to some "big sister" - the big dot on the map which stands in for every municipality for miles around. Such is the case of Vancouver and the half-dozen cities which actually give it shape and purpose. The City of Burnaby enjoys the distinction of employing more people each working day than we count in our resident population. The many employers include several busy film studios and software design houses. What we have lacked are film festivals of our own, but a start-up festival is in the offing and I will have news to share with local filmmakers next week.