Dancing On My Own

In memory of Sergeant F.W. Jestico, Royal Sussex Regiment. In Loving Memory of My Dear Husband Until We Meet. (P. Ferguson image, 9 November 2018)

In memory of Sergeant F.W. Jestico, Royal Sussex Regiment. In Loving Memory of My Dear Husband Until We Meet.
(P. Ferguson image, 9 November 2018)

For the pilgrims

The bells are striking nine this morning in Ieper (Ypres) as we sit amongst the goodness of this a.m. feasting. The morning window is fresh and, through its clarity, I see the stretching greenery in search of rejuvenating sunlight.

I struggle finding my thoughts this morning but happen upon a phrase to work with. Pilgrims…we saw them last night as Canada arrived at Ieper…pilgrims…soldiers…pipes and drums…locals…the bugles of the Ieper Fire Brigade. Visitors crane their necks skywards reading their names…one over one…some are their ancestors.

Why do we visit here? I am fortunate to be here more often than most but when thinking last night and early this a.m. it’s…for the pilgrims…the families…who knew how they lived…and to the wives and sweethearts who hoped or remembered forever one last dance.


About The Author

pferguson
Paul has worked with the Paradigm Motion Picture Company since 2009 as producer, historian and research specialist. Paul first met Casey and Ian WIlliams of Paradigm in April 2007 at Ieper (Ypres), Belgium when ceremonies were being held for the re-dedication of the Vimy Memorial, France. Paul's sensitivity to film was developed at an early age seeing his first films at RCAF Zweibrucken, Germany and in Sardinia. Paul returned to Canada in 1967 and was further amazed by David Lean's "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Bridge on the River Kwai". Film captivated Paul and with time he became increasingly interested in storytelling, content development, character, direction, cinematography and soundtracks. At the University of Victoria, Paul studied and compared Japanese and Australian film and became interested in Australian film maker Peter Weir and his film "Gallipoli" (1981). Paul was entranced when he learned Weir had visited the beaches, ridges and ravines of the peninsula. The film "Gallipoli" alone led Paul on many journeys to sites of conflict in England, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Malta, Hawaii, Gallipoli and Salonika. It was, however, when Paul watched documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, "The Civil War", that Paul understood how his own experience and insight could be effective and perhaps influential in film-making. Combining his knowledge of Museums and Archives, exhibitions and idea strategies with his film interests would be a natural progression. Paul thinks like a film-maker. His passion for history and storytelling brings to Paradigm an eye (and ear) to the keen and sensitive interests of; content development, the understanding of successful and relational use of collections, imagery and voice. Like Paul's favorite actor, Peter O'Toole, he believes in the adage “To deepen not broaden.” While on this path Paul always remembers his grandmother whose father did not return from the Great War and how his loss shaped her life and how her experience continues to guide him.

Comments

Leave a Reply