"Mike's Bloody Saturday" explores controversial story of Winnipeg General Strike

Winnipeg at the turn of the twentieth century was booming and busting.  It was one of the fastest growing cities in North America.  But after World War I, soldiers came home to find many of their jobs taken by immigrants.

Working conditions were dismal, social unrest increased and labourers got together in an attempt to improve their situation.  It resulted in the famous Winnipeg General Strike of 1919. 

Local composer and producer Danny Schur is launching a DVD that features his award winning General Strike documentary called Mike's Bloody Saturday.  It tells the controversial story of one person in particular - Mike Sokolowski who was killed on June 21, 1919. It wasn't certain whether Sokolowski was involved in the riots or whether he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

In conjunction with Heritage Winnipeg's Doors Open, you can see the 25 minute film on Saturday May 26.  The free viewings take place at Cinematheque at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00.

For those who are interested in revisiting the places where Bloody Saturday took place, there is a walking tour, led by Danny Schur on Sunday May 27 at 12:00 and 3:00 p.m.  The tour is free, but registration is required.

Mike's Bloody Saturday won the Manitoba Day Award for its "contribution to the understanding and appreciation of Manitoba history."