A new Australian documentary about prisoners of war will be screened ahead of Anzac Day, as part of efforts to raise awareness among veterans and the wider community.
Springwood Returned Service League’s Jamie McLellan said he was asked to take part after filmmakers approached the RSL seeking someone with a personal connection to prisoners of war.
“The people who made the film contacted the RSL and requested an ex-POW or an RSL person,” Mr McLellan said.
“They rang me and said, ‘Well, you’ve got a history of having an aunt and an uncle, as POW was in the Second World War. Would you be interested in doing the introduction?’”
Mr McLellan will introduce the film Under A Bamboo Sky at Event Cinemas Loganholme from 10.30am this Wednesday, 22 April, with the screening timed in the lead-up to Anzac Day.
The 77-minute documentary tells the story of Australian soldiers captured during World War II, including several who lived in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, using the recorded voices of more than 60 former prisoners of war alongside colourised archival footage.
It follows their journey from Singapore’s Changi Barracks through forced labour on the Thai-Burma Railway and into factories and mines in Japan.
Mr McLellan said the film includes interviews with prisoners of war and is being screened nationally, with promotion targeting both veterans and the public.
“They’re hoping that veterans get to see the film and that they can raise the public profile of what went on, particularly to POWs ”, he said.
“That’s why the hurried release, I think, before Anzac Day.”
For more information on where to watch Under A Bamboo Sky, visit the website here.
Springwood RSL will hold its annual march and service, beginning at 7.45am on Anzac Day.
Participants will march about 800 metres to Springwood Park for the service.
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