A new documentary by filmmaker Deke Richards spotlights the little-known story of American and Canadian exiles sent as convicts to the penal colony of Australia after their capture during the 1837-38 Canadian Insurrections against the British (also known as the Patriot War).
“Land of a Thousand Sorrows Revisited” is currently being showcased to audiences in Vermont and New York Citizens of both states were sent out as political prisoners to Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania) in 1840. The film also addresses the exiles’ legacy in today.
Thus far screenings have taken place in Los Angeles; Alburgh, Vermont; in Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto, Canada; as well as in Australia and New Zealand.
The film was was shot and edited by Samuel Pineault. It was co-produced by Karim Cheriguene.
It’s presently seeking distribution, but you can watch an English subtitled version of a teaser/trailer cut for the Quebec market; it focuses on the Canadian prisoners.
Those interested in arranging viewings in New York or Vermont, should contact Deke Richards at deke_r2000@yahoo.ca.
Illustration: A detail from a scene of Lower Canada Patriots in the November 1838 Battle of Beauharnois painted by Loyalist Katherine Jane Ellice, a British diarist and artist held prisoner by Patriot François Xavier Prieur.
Source link
