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Second World War pic filmed in Prince George

Breakthrough writer/producer/star Michael John Fuller on set. Kazha Cullen photo

Prince George is preparing for war but it’s not what you think. A combined crew of Vancouver and Prince George filmmakers went to camera last week for Leo Award-winning director Kate Green’s Second World War film Breakthrough.

Set in the Ardennes forest during the Second World War, the American 106th Infantry Division faces a devastating counter-attack from the German Army. In the aftermath, a wounded Jewish American soldier, and a young German boy soldier form an unlikely friendship, while trapped together inside a foxhole. “Breakthrough” explores the profound connection between these two soldiers, revealing the depths of their bond and into the human connection that transcends the brutality of war.

Production took place primarily in a rural location outside of Prince George and will conclude in a second location in the province in months to come. The film is being produced by Norm Coyne of Barker Street Cinema and Green herself through her company Kate Green Productions.

The project was written by and stars Michael John Fuller who is also a renowned Second World War military historian and technical advisor. Fuller’s expertise found its way to the big screen on Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk. Local cast members include Riley Banzer, and Aiden Smith. Rounding out the Vancouver cast is Kelly McCabe and introducing Aaron Haegert who plays the young German soldier

“I am honoured to be filming in northern BC. The community has been very welcoming to our production and it makes all the difference when producing an indie film. We are very grateful to the people of Prince George,” said Green. 

The period film is part of a series of projects set to shoot in northern B.C. over the next few years, with a view to expanding the region’s production capacity. Recent productions include A Great North Christmas and The Way to the Heart

Director Green’s credits include the hit sci-fi series Narcoleap, which garnered two Canadian Screen Award nominations, a Writers’ Guild of Canada nomination and six Leo Award nominations winning Best Web Series there as well as Best SciFi at Miami Web Fest and Best Series at Blood in the Snow.

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