YORKTON, Sask. — A documentary exploring the experiences of Canadian soldiers who volunteered for mustard gas testing during the Second World War will be featured as part of a Remembrance Day-themed screening hosted by the Yorkton Film Festival and the Royal Canadian Legion on Wednesday.
The screening of Secret War: The Odyssey of the Suffield Volunteers is scheduled for Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 77 in Yorkton. Admission is free and open to the public.
Yorkton Film Festival executive director Randy Goulden said the annual screening, held in partnership with the Legion, is intended to give residents an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of those who served.
“As we have for the last few years, our November screening will be an opportunity for our community to share in a moment of remembrance and as a place where we can learn more about the sacrifices made by those in uniform,” Goulden said.
The documentary explores mustard gas testing conducted at Suffield, Alta., between 1941 and 1945.
Goulden said the film was selected by Yorkton Regional High School history teacher Perry Ostapowich and offers a unique look at a lesser-known chapter of Canada's wartime history.
“It chronicles four Canadian soldiers, four out of about 2,000, who volunteered to be human guinea pigs testing deadly mustard gas at Suffield, Alberta,” Goulden said. “It's a very interesting story.”
The documentary previously screened at the Yorkton Film Festival in 2005.
Following the film, attendees will have an opportunity to take part in a discussion led by Ostapowich.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 77 president Brittany Johnson said the event helps ensure the stories of veterans and service members continue to be shared with the community.
“The Yorkton Legion is honoured to continue its partnership with the Yorkton Film Festival in recognizing the stories of courage, dedication and sacrifice that have shaped our nation,” Johnson said. “As Remembrance Day approaches, this partnership provides an opportunity to bring our community together through film, ensuring we remember the contributions of those who served and reflect on the lasting impact of their service.”
The screening is part of the Yorkton Film Festival's Open Cinema series. Those attending will receive a sticker as part of the Open Cinema Passport program, with participants who collect four of six screening stickers eligible for a draw for two tickets to the festival's 2027 Lobsterfest fundraiser.
The annual event is held ahead of Remembrance Day, as Nov. 11 is typically a busy day for Legion members and commemorative activities.
