Reimagining History with Humor: If Day Film Adaptation Highlights VE/VJ Day Commemorations in Winnipeg

By Martin Zeilig

On the evening of September 24, the Caboto Centre—Winnipeg’s Italian Cultural Centre—hosted a memorable screening of If Day, a satirical and thought-provoking film adaptation of the play that reimagines one of the city’s most surreal wartime episodes.

Approximately 50 attendees gathered for the event, which was part of a series of commemorative activities marking the 80th anniversary of VE/VJ Day in Winnipeg.

In 1945, when the war ended in Europe and Japan, people flooded the streets to celebrate Victory in Europe (VE) and Victory over Japan (VJ) Days. This year’s commemorations began on May 8 with a reception for veterans, their families, and military representatives at the Manitoba Legislature.

On September 10, a candlelight vigil was held at dusk in Brookside Cemetery. The If Day screening followed on September 24, and the commemorative series concluded with a historical forum titled Winnipeg at War on September 25 at the RCAF 17 Wing Chapel.

Adding a nostalgic touch to the evening, the presentation opened with a selection of Disney cartoons produced for the National Film Board of Canada during the Second World War. Originally created to boost morale and educate the public, these animated shorts offered a glimpse into the cultural tools used to rally support and inform citizens during wartime.

The main feature, If Day, written and directed by Gilles Messier, is a comedic interpretation of the mock Nazi invasion staged in Winnipeg on February 19, 1942. That real-life event, designed to boost Victory Loan sales, involved over 3,000 actors in German uniforms simulating an occupation—complete with mock bombings, book burnings, and the arrest of city officials. The spectacle raised over $47 million for the war effort and drew international attention.

Messier’s version imagines what might have happened if the event spiraled out of control, thanks to a deranged Hollywood director who convinces the city that the invasion is real. The result is a fast-paced, absurdist comedy that also explores deeper themes, including the wartime experiences of Jewish citizens and Mennonite pacifists, and how different communities respond to the rise of fascism.

The film adaptation was inspired by the success of the stage production at the 2025 Winnipeg Fringe Festival, where two sold-out shows at the Tom Hendry Warehouse Theatre captivated audiences. Filmmaker Bill Zuk commissioned the filmed version with support from Veterans Affairs, and the cast reconvened at Théâtre Cercle Molière just days after the Fringe to capture the performance on film.

Reflecting on the experience, Messier shared: “Start to finish this has been a fantastic experience. I could not have asked for a better cast and crew and our collaboration was a highly rewarding one. I look forward to sharing the fruits of that collaboration and the amazing story of If Day with many more people.”

The ensemble cast featured Stéphane Normandeau, Élie Tradiff-Breen, Vance Halldorson, Andreas Detillieux, Krista Austin, Lisa Bryski, Khald Nuristani, Ena Ferrino, Ken Stone, Stephen Gatphoh, and Messier himself. Their dynamic performances brought both humor and poignancy to the screen.

Audience members responded warmly, praising the film’s clever writing and its ability to make history feel both relevant and entertaining. Messier expressed pride in the final product, calling the filmed version the definitive take on If Day thanks to its tighter pacing and cinematic flair.

As Winnipeg continues to reflect on its wartime legacy, If Day stands out as a bold and imaginative tribute—one that invites viewers to laugh, think, and remember.