Crest
Isle of Man Government
Reiltys Ellan Vannin
Isle of Man Government Crest

Isle of Man Film

Isle of Man Film

Past Productions - Island at War

Island at War

Island at War

Island At War

ProducerJohn Rushton
DirectorPeter Lydon/Thaddeus O'Sullivan
Principal Cast

James Wilby, Clare Holman, Phillip Glenister, Saskia Reeves, Joanne Froggatt, Samantha Robinson, Juilan Wadham, Owen Teale, Julia Ford, Sean Gallagher, Laurence Fox, Conor Mullen

SynopsisISLAND AT WAR is set against the fascinating historical events of the occupation of the Channel Islands during World War Two, focusing on the German invasion and how island life was irrevocably changed overnight. Some islanders and many local children were evacuated just prior to the German invasion. They vacated their homes, businesses and schools and headed for the harbour with all the possessions they could carry. With very few boats available to take them to relative safety the children and Jewish inhabitants were prioritised and set sail for the unknown. Those that stayed were to encounter a hostile Nazi command, intent on imposing their way of life on the Island. Villages and towns were given German names, clocks were set to Central European time and societies could only meet by permission of the German High Command. With occupation, the lives of three island families were drastically changed. The Dorrs, the Jonas’ and the Mahy’s struggled to come to terms with the Germans’ presence. Long curfews, food shortages and no contact with the young children evacuated to the mainland would inevitably stir up distrust, leading to discontent and resistance. With the uneasy peace came a number of attempts to escape to England. However, for every islander who was successful, there was another poor soul who wasn’t. ISLAND AT WAR tells the story of German occupation and the emotional and dramatic effect on the islander’s day to day existence.
LocationsCastletown, Laxey, Port Grenaugh, Port St Mary, Gansey
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