Film Lens
Passage is a documentary film from 2008 that focuses on Sir John Franklin's lost expedition through the Northwest Passage. It is partly based on the book Fatal Passage and examines the fate of the expedition, including John Rae's efforts to uncover the truth about what happened to the crew. The film also covers Lady Franklin's campaign to defend her husband's reputation, featuring Inuk statesman Tagak Curley, who disputes claims made by Lady Franklin and supported by Charles Dickens regarding the involvement of Aboriginal people in the signs of cannibalism found among the crew's remains.
The film has two main storylines. One follows John Walker and his crew as they attempt to create a historical fiction film based on Fatal Passage, including script readings and discussions. The other storyline is non-fiction, presenting historical narratives through paintings, visits to locations known to Rae, and interviews with experts. The film was written, directed, and narrated by John Walker, featuring performances by Rick Roberts as John Rae and Geraldine Alexander as Lady Franklin.
Why Watch
- •See John Rae's quest for the truth about Franklin's expedition.
- •Meet Tagak Curley as he challenges historical narratives.
- •Find out about Lady Franklin's efforts to protect her husband's legacy.
Did You Know
•Passage premiered at the Hot Docs film festival in April 2008.
•The film won two awards at the Atlantic Film Festival in 2008.
•John Walker directed and narrated the film, which runs for 90 minutes.
•Rick Roberts stars as John Rae, while Geraldine Alexander plays Lady Franklin.
Perfect For
Canadian history enthusiastsArctic exploration fansDocumentary film lovers