
Self - Interviewee
This documentary is the story of two Mennonite brothers from Manitoba who were forced to make a decision in 1939, as Canada joined World War II. In the face of 400 years of pacifist tradition, should they now go to war? Ted became a conscientious objector while his brother went into military service. Fifty years later, the town of Winkler dedicates its first war memorial and John begins to share his war experiences with Ted.

A massive family association gathers hundreds of people from across the country to celebrate their common ancestor: An Amishman named Jacob Hochstetler. Living on the frontier of the French and Indian War, this family’s faith is tested as they are attacked, kidnapped, and adopted into a new way of living that would change the family forever.

While searching for clues to her uncle Ben’s mysterious death, filmmaker Ari discovers boxes of family letters tucked away in a farmhouse attic. With these as her guide, she dives into the quickly fading past to uncover the connecting thread between Ben’s death in 1975, her family’s time as Mennonite missionaries in Ethiopia, and the downfall of Haile Selassie, Ethiopia’s last king. The search reveals the enduring impact of family separation, cultural dislocation, and unresolved grief - while also illuminating the fragile but powerful possibility of intergenerational healing.

The story begins while Tommy Martin and his mother, Martha Martin say goodbye to Henry and Reuben Johnson. After having stopped by the Mennonite farm, where Tommy and Martha stay with the William and Annie Decker, the Johnsons are headed back to their hometown of Goshen. The balance of the film is concerned with both trying to get the necessary train fare and with Tommy clearing his name over a misunderstanding.