In addition to
current projects, Pat is available for film production and consulting
services. Please contact Pat directly to discuss your unique and
special projects!
Currently
In Production
Mon
Cher Camarade is an hour long television documentary that examines
the
role of the French-speaking Cajuns in World War II. This film is
designed to reach a large diverse national audience on the PBS
systems. The film's objective is to bring the American public's
attention to the notable contributions of the Cajun G.I.s.
FADE IN:
"Cajun translators were as important to the American war effort as the
much acclaimed Native American "Code Talkers"; yet, the Cajun
translators' contributions have been entirely ignored."
Carl Brasseaux, Historian,
University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Mon Cher
Camarade blends action photography, archival film
footage, photographs, music and multiple voices in a storytelling
fashion that is designed to reach a large diverse national audience on
the PBS systems. The program, piloted by Mire, promises to be
visually and contextually rich in content and sensitive in approach.
In a departure from older, more conventional styles, the film does not
employ a narrator. Multiple voices will encourage a spontaneous
and intimate feel, allowing an even balance between native
understanding and existing scholarship. By using this technique
of multiple voices, the film will avoid the common pitfalls of aloof
narration and instead place the storytelling authority squarely where
it belongs: in the hands of the veterans and their audiences.
From this perspective, a documentary project such as Mon Cher
Camarade allows the audience to take a new look at the American
experience, from a South Louisiana perspective. The Cajun
G.I.s of World War II were American citizens, however, their cultural
pedigree was tributary to something other than the typical American
experience.
Need and Impact Statement:
Over the past decade, the United States has come to recognize and
revere the contributions of the "greatest generation." The
contributions of America's veterans have been celebrated in numerous
publications and movies. Unlike in the immediate aftermath of the
global war, the greatest accolades have been reserved not for the
military leaders, but for the common G.I. - particularly those who were
ignored during the conflict. The Native American "Code Talkers"
are now the focal point of considerable popular interest because their
linguistic skills were vitally important to the American war
effort. Completely ignored, however, are the contributions of
Louisiana's hundreds of Cajuns who served as interpreters for the U.S.
military in the North American and European theaters during World War
II. Like the contributions of the Code Talkers, the
communications skills of the Cajun G.I.s were of incalculable
importance to the United States' military success.
French-speaking Cajuns not only worked with the French resistance after
D-Day, but they also provided the U.S. Army's most effective means of
communication with local authorities and the civilian population,
which, in turn, provided critical support and intelligence to the
American army.
This film project is documenting for the first time the wartime efforts
of these now quite elderly former interpreters. The resulting
film and video collection will serve as an important resource for
historical researchers for generations to come. The footage will
also provide the foundation for a documentary that will bring to the
American public's attention the notable contributions of the Cajun
G.I.s.
Pat Mire Films - 625
Garfield Street, Lafayette, LA 70501
Contact Pat Mire
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