A local filmmaker with Refuge 31 films continues to examine the Mennonite journey through history with 'Otto's Obsession'.

Andrew Wall recently filmed 'The Last Objectors', an intimate look at the last living Conscientious Objectors. The project included a number of local residents who were part of the approximately 11,000 men, mostly Mennonite, who chose to work in forestry camps, hospitals and asylums rather than go to war based on religious beliefs.

Now Wall turns his lense to a fellow Mennonite filmmaker Otto Klassen, best known for his documentary 'The Great Trek' telling the story of Mennonites fleeing Ukraine during the second world war.

However, while 'The Great Trek' was his most famous work, Wall says it's only one of more than 50 films and documentaries Klassen created during his lifetime.

Retired at the age of 90, Otto Klassen made more than 50 films

Klassen began filming in 1969 with an 8mm camera. He also had a passion for digging through unseen archival footage that he would weave into his narratives.

While Klassen is now retired at the age of 90, he continued to make films into his 80's.

"He has an amazing life story, one filled with tragedy as the Mennonite story is," Wall explains.

Klassen was one of those who escaped Ukraine after the Russian Revolution, eventually making his way to Paraguay and then Manitoba.

"He didn't want the world to forget what happened... those who lost their lives, those who were left behind," Wall says. "It's been an absolutely fascinating journey to look into another filmmaker's mind."

'Otto's Obsession' is expected to be released in 2019.

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Andrew Wall is telling the story of legendary Mennonite filmmaker Otto Klassen