Tracking Distance

Tracking Distance a video documentary by Greg Marshall was completed in 1997 at the Banff Centre for Arts as a co-production.

Canadian Forces Station (C.F.S.) Dana, a NORAD Pinetree Line radar station, operated from 1962 to 1986, with over 200 service personnel and their families. It officially closed on August 30, 1987. In its 25 years of operation, countless military families and personnel were connected with the station. Tracking Distance is a video documentary that examines a portion of the tangible legacies of the Cold War; to contrast personal histories with national agendas. The film explores what remains, what has permanently changed and what people thought of Cold War situation during its operation. The film is based on interviews with a variety of individuals, each with a personal connection to the closed radar station.

It was last broadcasted on SCN Television in 2004, and debuted at 1998 Yorkton Film Festival. It was made possible with the financial assistance of the Alberta Heritage Trust Fund and the National Film Board of Canada. Production and post-production made possible through the Banff Centre for the Arts as well as some assistance from EM Media in Calgary.

Richard Agecoutay, an award winning filmmaker, videographer, photographer and cultural activist, volunteered a great deal of time and effort as the project's director of photography.

For more information visit: http://trackingdistance.com

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Cold
• War
• Pinetree
• Line
• C.F.S.
• Dana
• NORAD
• Banff
• Centre
• NFB
• SCN
• RADAR
• nuclear
• Soviet
• Bomber
• SAGE
• Sagehill
• DEW
• Distant
• Early
• Warning
• Canadian
• Armed
• Forces
• Military
• Threat
• TU-95
• Saskatchewan
• North
• American
• Aerospace
• Defense
• Command

[gfmarsh]

Tracking Distance is available on Vimeo if you're interested in viewing a better quality version. Can't post the link here but use the search term Tracking Distance.

[makthnife]

Wow, interesting to see how our neighbors to the North handled this siutation. But the film is pretty disjointed. No cohesion. And that gentlemans comment about no wars in the future is pretty foolish. War will always be around, just as it has been. Its how we fight that will change, as it has been. I for one, think the Great Military Industrial Complex is a viable and important part of out Nation & economy. Good info here. Would like to visit someday. Thx for posting!

[gfmarsh]

I think that if mankind as a species were to evolve then the concept of war would be a relic of the past. Do we want to survive on this planet?

There's is no main narrator in this doc since I wanted to directly put fwd some of those who worked within the larger system of NORAD. The vid is intentionally fractured, which may or may not work for some.

USA has been making Swords for the last 60 years - a mtn of debt has been left behind with little regard for the well being of its own people. THX.

[vanniedude]

I remember calling the radar station on Xmas eve to find out where Santa was!! Stationed in 62-65 when my dad was CO.  Fond memories, my niece is named for this base

[gfmarsh]

Fond memories indeed. I was there as a kid between 1972-77. Great place to grow up, although I was really unaware of the whole Cold War threat being so young at the time.

[lilbuck71]

I'm glad i finally got to see this, I was just a preschooler when i lived in Dana, but I've never forgotten it.

Thank you for making this.

[gfmarsh]

You bet.

What year(s) were you there?

[63rampy]

Great video My family was stationed there from when it opened (PMQ's) were not even ready 1962 I think till 1966. Lived on Crosier street. I was just a kid but have fond memories. We were at Edgar before Dana and have been back there several times.

[jwaustinmunguy]

Grew up around NORAD, Clinton 56-59, Holberg 59-61, North Bay 66-69. The old station has a real RCAF feel still.

[boudreausteve]

I spent 8 years there,Steve boudreau.my best posting

[lilbuck71]

My family was there 72-74 I beleive, I wasn't very old then.