Moving Pictures Films | Minnesota's Greatest Generation

"Moving Pictures" was a film competition held in 2006 to 2008. Filmmakers—from students to amateurs to professionals—submitted 10-minute films based on the lives of members of Minnesota’s “Greatest Generation”. At a film festival each October, $10,000 was awarded to five films in various categories. All the short films are screened, became part of the permanent collections of the Minnesota Historical Society, and receive continuing visibility at libraries, schools and historic sites across the state, on the MHS website, and on television.

2008

Best Film of 2008 Mr. Brown

Jim Brown grew up in the Twin Cities during the 1930s and 1940s. As an African-American, he was subjected to numerous insults, indignities and open discrimination. Yet, he persevered to become a Chief Engineer in the Military Sealift Command, an accomplished dancer, an author, father, grandfather and positive force in his community.

Other Winning Films

C. Beck

Inventing the G-suit: The Life Story of Dr. Earl Wood

Rosalie Wahl: A Vision for a Better World

Soap Box Derby Champion: Boy Makes Good

Honorable Mentions

Delano Heroes: Their Stories

First Lady of Minnesota: Mrs. Jane Freeman

All 2008 Entries

2007

Best Film of 2007 Coming Home

"Coming Home" tells the story of Bill Ehling, a World War II combat veteran who fought in the European theater. Through family photos, historical footage, and glimpses of his hometown, the film relates Bill's memories of war, struggle - and finally - of coming home.

Other Winning Films

Prisoner 32,232

A Voice of Peace

Resonance

Skating The Pacificto Europe

Other Films

The Life and Legacy of Lorraine Bresin

All 2007 Entries

2006

Best Film of 2006 A Satisfied Life

Ted Wryk, like others of his generation, experienced the Depression, World War II, and the post-war boom with a sense of commitment and purpose. This film explores how Ted's life has been shaped by these defining values, and how these values inspire successive generations to the ideal of a “Satisfied Life.”