Question 1

Why did Peter Jackson consider this documentary his most personal film?

Accepted Answer

Jackson had a lifelong fascination with WWI and felt resonance through his grandfather who died before his birth due to war injuries. He already had a large personal collection of WW1 uniforms and weapons for reference when production began.

Question 2

How much archival material did the crew review to create this documentary?

Accepted Answer

The crew reviewed over 600 hours of interviews with more than 200 soldiers and 100 hours of original footage. Peter Jackson claimed a full year was spent just reviewing the material.

Question 3

What made much of the footage in this documentary particularly special?

Accepted Answer

Much of the footage had never been seen before, having sat in the vaults of London's Imperial War Museum for many years.

Question 4

Why did Peter Jackson not receive any fee for making this film?

Accepted Answer

Jackson made the film as a dedication to his great-grandfather who fought in WW1, and was initially interested in making a film with literal 100-year-old footage.

Question 5

Which festivals and awards recognized this documentary?

Accepted Answer

It was featured at the Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema and Göteborg Film Festival in 2019, and won awards at the BAFTA Awards and London Critics Circle Film Awards.

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They Shall Not Grow Old

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