Plast 100^th Anniversary

Documentary Premieres in Montreal

Montreal - In celebration of the 100^th anniversary of Plast Ukrainian Youth Association, Plast-Montreal Branch premiered the Ukrainian-language documentary film “100 rokiv plastovoji ideji” (100 Years of Ukrainian Scouting) on Sunday, February 24, 2013 at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church Hall.

Incorporating rare archival photographs, the 31-minute film produced and edited by filmmaker Yurij Luhovy outlines the essential elements of Plast scouting and the main events in its history (1911/12 - 2011/12).

Plast was based on the ideas of the scouting movement founder Robert Baden-Powell and infused with a Ukrainian orientation that developed leadership skills among Ukrainian youth.

Dr. Taras Konanec, the newly-elected head (stanychnyj) of Plast-Montreal officially opened the event, greeting the more than 150 present, which included original founders of Plast-Montreal, today’s young Plast members, and members of the Ukrainian community of Montreal.

A special plaque and a copy of the documentary were presented to Mr. Ivan Prokaziuk, President of Prosvita-Verdun, for that organization’s generous donation towards the continued work of Plast.

Following the enthusiastically received film screening, producer Yurij Luhovy was introduced. In his remarks he acknowledged the work of Tanya Dzulynska, the director and initiator of the film, as well as the contributions of graphic designer Adriana Luhova, and others. Luhovy mentioned the film received a standing ovation at its L’viv premiere during Plast’s centenary celebrations in Ukraine last summer, and its same reception in Toronto last October during Plast-Toronto’s 100^th anniversary banquet with 800 guests in attendance from all over Canada. Luhovy further commented how the film is still another example of how the Ukrainian diaspora, after World War II, continued the work of Plast. The documentary is being showed at Plast branches around the world.

The Montreal celebration concluded with the singing of familiar Plast songs by Plast members accompanied on the guitar by Chrystia Sawchyn. A reception followed. All donations, from this very successful event, went towards the continued work of Plast-Montreal.

The documentary “100 rokiv plastovoji ideji”, narrated by Iryna Korpan with original music by Roman Luhovy of Kyiv, may be ordered from: www.yluhovy.com, by writing to MML Inc., 2330 Beaconsfield Avenue, Montreal, Quebec, H4A 2G8 or by phoning 514-481-5871.

PHOTO

At the Plast film premiere Yurij Sawchyn, producer Yurij Luhovy, Martha Mayer and Plast-Montreal head (stanychnyj) Dr. Taras Konanec