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. 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 and 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.
Recent News
Documentary tells the 150-year old story of Mennonites landing in Manitoba
Daut latzte Woatj: eene Doku ewa dee mennische Ennwaundrinj enn Manitoba
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
Film on Mennonite landing premieres in Winnipeg
Monumental film about Mennonites’ arrival in Manitoba finished at long last
‘Commemoration is important’: The new documentary showing Mennonites migrating to Manitoba