From volunteering as a stretcher bearer in the trenches of WWI France, to serving as a battlefield surgeon with the armies of Mao Zedong, Dr. Norman Bethune was a first-hand witness and frontline participant in some of the major political upheavals of the 20th century. Bethune’s commitment to the cause of providing quality medical treatment for all, and his ultimately sacrificial opposition to the forces of Fascism leave an inspirational legacy still felt all across the globe.

To explore this legacy, the Socialist Project and The Leo Panitch School are extremely proud to present Bethune: The Making of a Hero as the next film in our long running FilmSocial series of screenings. Bethune: The Making of a Hero (1990) utilizes factual details and compelling storytelling as it follows the life of Dr. Bethune through struggles, both personal and political, before his elevation as a hero of the Communist movement and working people worldwide.

The screening will also be a chance to reflect on the remarkable career of the recently passed Donald Sutherland, who masterfully portrays Dr. Bethune in the film. Sutherland leaves a legacy of his own, not just for his impact on Canadian Cinema, but also due to his lifelong, radical anti-war politics.

The film will be followed by a short presentation and general discussion on the politics and implications of the film’s subject today.