A people first of canada production
he four walls
coming in 2024
These Four Walls
invites you on an emotional journey deep into the heart of the disability movement in Manitoba, Canada.
At its core is the remarkable story of David Weremy and his class action lawsuit against the Manitoba Development Centre (MDC), revealing shocking allegations of widespread abuse and neglect under government care.
The film traces the paths of survivors from within the institution, alongside dedicated community advocates, families, and legal teams, as they confront the painful scars of abuse concealed behind its walls. Through intimate interviews and compelling storytelling, we witness the resilience and determination of survivors and their communities.
An inspiring tale of hope, community, and the power of breaking free from confinement, the film champions the boundless possibilities that await beyond these four walls. Prepare to be moved by this powerful exploration of the human spirit.
The film traces the paths of survivors from within the institution, alongside dedicated community advocates, families, and legal teams, as they confront the painful scars of abuse concealed behind its walls. Through intimate interviews and compelling storytelling, we witness the resilience and determination of survivors and their communities.
An inspiring tale of hope, community, and the power of breaking free from confinement, the film champions the boundless possibilities that await beyond these four walls. Prepare to be moved by this powerful exploration of the human spirit.
Trailer
film updates
Stay up-to-date on the progress of These Four Walls.
June 21, 2023
Editing is in full swing!
The steering committee agrees on the title: "These Four Walls." Production continues collecting additional footage with survivors, records, pictures, and music. Editing is in full swing!
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June 1, 2023
Premier apologizes to survivors of MDC
Manitoba's Premier issues an apology to survivors of the Manitoba Developmental Centre. Production is on-site at the Manitoba Legislative Building documenting reactions to the apology.
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March 21, 2023
Court approves a $17M settlement
The court approves a $17 million settlement related to the alleged abuse at the Manitoba Developmental Centre. Production captures the response to the settlement.
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November 28, 2022
Production continues
More footage is taken. An interview with Freedom Tour Producer, Josee Boulanger, is conducted in Ottawa. Editing begins with transcribing all the interviews and building a general structure.
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November 14, 2022
Filming begins!
Fall 2022 marks significant progress! Various drone footage is shot. Interviews with survivors are done at the Human Rights Museum. Several interviews conducted with community advocates.
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June 21, 2022
Research and planning continues
In Summer 2021, extensive research and planning continues, reviewing government records, films, and peer-reviewed journals. The production team is planning interviews and locations for Fall 2022.
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June 1, 2022
Steering committee is created
In the spirit of "nothing about us without us," the project creates a steering committee comprised of institutional survivors and others with disabilities to guide the direction of the production.
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May 18, 2022
The project receives funding!
Production applies and receives funding from the Innovation and Transformation Fund administered by Abilities Manitoba. The funding kick-starts production.
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October 1, 2021
Planning and research begins!
In Fall/Winter 2021, planning and envisioning a documentary is underway. Consultation begins with institutional survivors and community advocates. The team starts exploring various funding sources.
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January 21, 2021
Manitoba announces plan to close the Manitoba Developmental Centre
Families Minister Squires announces a three-year plan to close MDC after over a century of operation. This announcement sparks the idea of creating a documentary on deinstitutionalization in Manitoba.
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October 31, 2018
$50M lawsuit alleges abuse and neglects of people with disabilities at the hands of the Manitoba Developmental Centre.
Koskie Minsky LLP initiates $50M lawsuit against Manitoba on behalf of David Weremy, alleging physical, sexual, and psychological abuse and neglect at the century-old Manitoba Developmental Centre.
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