Two films that tell the human story of the great migration from Britain across the Atlantic 100 years ago - in the words of newspapers, letters, songs of the times and from the memories of their descendants.
2: The Awakening
Off the Atlantic coast of Canada lies Prince Edward Island , once famous for its wooden ships. During the 19th century thousands of Irish, Scots and English landed on its timbered shores. Among them was a penniless emigrant from North Devon, James Yeo. Within 30 years he was a sterling millionaire, shipbuilder and store-keeper. He became King of the Island, ' the Driver of the Government.' Hard, ruthless and feared, he established a unique two-way trade in ships and people with his homeland.
The irresistible rise of James Yeo is a classic story of the liberating effects of emigration, but also a warning to us: there are some things you cannot run away from.
A co-production with the NATIONAL FILM BOARD OF CANADA Music by JOHN FAULKNER
Producer PHILIP DONNELLAN (Birmingham)