Film Lens
In 'Heaven or Not', the film focuses on John Gerbrandt, an 84-year-old WWII veteran living in Herbert, Saskatchewan. Over the course of three decades, John has dedicated his life to constructing a 7,000-square-foot house using his pension and salvaged materials. This monumental project is driven by his desire to prove his worth to God, his family, and his community. Despite lacking formal training, John's determination reflects a deep spirituality that influences his work and life.
The documentary captures John's health issues and the financial burden of property taxes, emphasizing the reality of his lifelong endeavor. It raises questions about personal ambition and community values in a small town, particularly as John faces the possibility of leaving his project unfinished. The film presents an intimate look at John's life and the motivations behind his monumental undertaking.
Why Watch
- •Meet John Gerbrandt, a WWII veteran with a unique mission.
- •See the 7,000-square-foot house built over 30 years.
- •Follow the story of a man's quest for meaning in life.
Did You Know
•John Gerbrandt is 84 years old and a WWII veteran.
•The house John is building is 7,000 square feet.
•John has spent over three decades on this construction project.
•The film was directed by Zuzana Hudackova and released in 2007.
Perfect For
World War II historySmall town lifePersonal ambition stories