Where the Cottonwoods Grow
A Journey of Survival, Faith, and Resilience
Discover the remarkable journey of survival, faith, and resilience in Where the Cottonwoods Grow. This powerful documentary commemorates the extraordinary 20,000-kilometre migration of Mennonites from South Russia (present-day Ukraine) to Manitoba in the 1870s.
Through rare archival footage, expert commentary, and first-hand accounts, Where the Cottonwoods Grow brings to life the struggles and triumphs of this inspiring story. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to step into history and learn about unthinkable trials, unforgiving nature, and the profound complexities of colonization.
About Dale Hildebrand
Dale Hildebrand is a producer, director, writer, cinematographer, and winner of over 50 international awards & nominations, ranging from Best Picture, Best Director, Best Family Film, Best Comedy, Best Cinematographer, a Canadian Screen Awards nomination, two Gemini nominations and a Gemini win.
He shoots and directs in a multitude of genre and has filmed in environments ranging from the war zones of Afghanistan, the peaks of the Himalayas, to the plains of Africa. His last feature film, Road to the Lemon Grove, was the highest grossing Canadian film during its extended theatrical run and was released on over 30 different digital platforms.
Supported By
The Manitoba Mennonite Historical Society is pleased to support the production of Where the Cottonwoods Grow, facilitating financial assistance to ensure the success of this meaningful film.
Order Your Copy
Where the Cottonwoods Grow is now available to order on DVD at the Mennonite Heritage Archives in Winnipeg!
Upcoming Screenings
Gretna: January 19, 2025, at 2:30 PM
Buhler Hall, Mennonite Collegiate Institute
466 Mary Street, Gretna
$20 per person; Rush seating only*
Steinbach: May 3, 2025
MMHS AGM @ Mennonite Heritage Village
231 Provincial Trunk Highway 12, Steinbach
Details to be announced
* Please arrive early and pay at the door. These screenings will feature a Q&A session with the cast and crew.
Past Screenings
December 15, 2024: Winnipeg
December 4, 2024: Winkler
December 1, 2024: Steinbach
October 5-6, 2024: Neubergthal
October 4, 2024: Winnipeg
August 2-5, 2024: Steinbach
Recent News
New Docudrama Commemorates Mennonite Migration to Manitoba
Dale Hildebrand und sein Film über mennonitische Auswanderer
New film chronicles Mennonite history in Manitoba
How new technology is bringing the 150-year-old story of Mennonites landing in Manitoba to life
View from the Legislature – Movie depicts Mennonite Migration of 1870s
Film on Mennonite landing premieres in Winnipeg
Monumental film about Mennonites’ arrival in Manitoba finished at long last
Neubergthal hosting screenings of “Where the Cottonwoods Grow”
Canadian filmmaker: No whitewash in story of migration from Russia
‘Commemoration is important’: The new documentary showing Mennonites migrating to Manitoba