Shipbuilder 1985
"What would drive a man to spend 10 years of his life building a ship in the middle of the prairie 17 miles (27 km) from the nearest body of water?"
Dive into the fascinating world of *Shipbuilder (1985)*, a concise yet captivating documentary by Stephen Surjik that chronicles the extraordinary true story of Tom Sukanen, a Finnish immigrant whose relentless determination defied the odds in 1920s Saskatchewan.
Director: Stephen Surjik
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shipbuilder (1985) about?
*Shipbuilder (1985)* tells the remarkable true story of Tom Sukanen, a Finnish immigrant who spent over a decade constructing a massive iron ship in the middle of the Saskatchewan prairie, 17 miles from water. His vision? To sail it back to Finland, a journey that never came to pass. The film explores his relentless obsession and the surreal juxtaposition of landlocked ambition.
Who directed Shipbuilder?
The film was directed by Stephen Surjik, a filmmaker known for his evocative storytelling in short and documentary formats.
Who stars in Shipbuilder?
The documentary features Kristjana Gunnars, Galen Wahlmeier, and Sasha Konowal in key roles that bring Tom Sukanen's extraordinary story to life.
Is Shipbuilder (1985) worth watching?
As a six-minute documentary, *Shipbuilder (1985)* may not appeal to everyone, but its unique premise and poetic execution make it a compelling watch for fans of true stories and historical oddities. Its brevity and artistic approach offer a thought-provoking experience in a short runtime.
How long is Shipbuilder?
The runtime for *Shipbuilder (1985)* is 6 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Shipbuilder (1985) — The True Story of an Impossible Dream on the Prairies
Dive into the fascinating world of *Shipbuilder (1985)*, a concise yet captivating documentary by Stephen Surjik that chronicles the extraordinary true story of Tom Sukanen, a Finnish immigrant whose relentless determination defied the odds in 1920s Saskatchewan. For over a decade, Sukanen toiled tirelessly on a monumental iron ship in the middle of the prairie, 17 miles from the nearest waterway, driven by a single, audacious dream: to sail it back to his homeland in Finland. This short film paints a vivid portrait of obsession, isolation, and the surreal lengths of human ambition. Director Surjik masterfully blends historical context with atmospheric storytelling, creating a hauntingly poetic meditation on the collision of dreams and reality.
Shot in a documentary style that feels both intimate and epic, *Shipbuilder (1985)* explores themes of immigration, nostalgia, and the surreal beauty of an impossible quest. With a runtime of just six minutes, this Canadian film packs emotional depth into its brief runtime, leaving viewers to ponder the line between genius and madness. The cast—led by Kristjana Gunnars, Galen Wahlmeier, and Sasha Konowal—delivers nuanced performances that ground the film's fantastical premise in raw humanity.