Documentaries to be shown at archives center

On November 30, 1939, the Soviet Union launched an attack on Finland which brought this small independent country into World War II. To remember their struggles to remain independent and to honor the Finnish veterans and volunteers, two documentaries will be shown at the Appelo Archives Center on Saturday, November 16, beginning at 11 am.

Fire and Ice - The Winter War of Finland and Russia was written, directed and produced by Ben Strout. He used photographs, interviews with participants, and reenactments to recount this complicated history. It was selected as the best documentary at the Minneapolis-St Paul International Film Festival in 2006. This documentary is 56 minutes and not appropriate for young children.

The Nordic War - The Battle of Finland's Independence 1939-1945 covers the Winter War, the Continuation War when the Soviet Union again attacked Finland, plus the Lapland War when the Germans were forced out of Finland. Again, the intentions of the Nazis and the Russians are clearly explained. It answers why the Finns aligned themselves with the Germans and then turned against them before the end of WW II. Emphasis is placed on the entire population of Finland and how they contributed to the fight to save their independence. The film is in English except for the interviews of individuals. English subtitles are provided for those. This documentary was produced in 2008 and is 63 minutes.

There is no charge for viewing these films, but donations are appreciated. The Appelo Archives Center is located at 1056 SR 4 in Naselle.