Lifestyle and Leisure
Welcoming Winnipeg a clear winner
Interview with Mick Paulusma, by Andrew Collier
Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Mick Paulusma moved to London in 1995 to study film. He wrote a number of screenplays and directed several short films, before finishing the script for his directorial debut, Clear Lake.
It is the story of a young man's mission to see the migration of geese over the titular lake; something he had tried to do 20 years earlier with his mum and dad and been hit by tragedy.
Talking to Mick, he explains that the film is not based on his own childhood, which was in suburban Winnipeg; instead, "It was all about escaping the same four walls and that small-town atmosphere."
And Mick means what he says - to say that Mick is a proud Manitoban would be something of an understatement. In fact, he admits that he loves talking about all that Manitoba has to offer: "The first thing that people say when they talk about Winnipeg and Manitoba is how cold it is, but I think that is one of the best things about it, as the cold really brings people together and there is always someone to help you out if you get into trouble. I met an older English couple a number of years ago who said that it reminded them of the Blitz mentality in the UK."
So, based on this enthusiasm, it is a safe assumption that Manitoba is a welcoming place for migrants?
"Oh absolutely, without a shadow of a doubt," he continues. "I can honestly say that Manitoba is the most welcoming state in Canada, and that's saying something as Canada is a very welcoming country in general."
And with that Mick was off to start post-production on Clear Lake, saying how he would love to spend more time in Manitoba and see "All the amazing friends I have had since childhood; it really is an incredibly friendly place!"
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