Watch Prairie Fire: The Winnipeg General Strike of 1919

Prairie Fire: The Winnipeg General Strike of 1919 is a historical drama miniseries produced by Entertainment One that tells the story of the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike from the perspective of immigrant workers and their families. The series is inspired by real-life events that took place in Winnipeg, Canada, during the summer of 1919 when over 30,000 workers walked out of their jobs, bringing the city to a standstill for six weeks in what would become known as the most significant labor dispute in Canadian history.

The story follows the characters of Ukrainian immigrant Stefan Sokolowski, played by newcomer Orest Kowalchuk, and his wife, Maria (Ann Medina), who find themselves caught up in the labor turmoil as Stefan leads a group of striking workers. The couple, who had immigrated to Canada just a few years earlier seeking a better life, are faced with difficult choices and challenges as they navigate the dangerous and volatile situation.

The series explores the reasons why the strike occurred, including low wages, discrimination, and poor working conditions, as well as the tension between the workers and the city's elite, including the police and government officials. The show also delves into the personal lives and relationships of the characters involved in the strike, showing how they are affected by the conflict and the choices they make.

One of the strengths of Prairie Fire is the diversity of its cast, which includes actors of various ethnic backgrounds and accents, reflecting the multicultural reality of early 20th-century Winnipeg. Ann Medina, who portrays Maria Sokolowski, is an accomplished actor of Colombian and Mexican descent who has appeared in numerous film and television productions, including Narcos: Mexico and The Handmaid's Tale.

The series was shot on location in Winnipeg, using period costumes, sets, and props to recreate the look and feel of the time period. Viewers can expect to see scenes of crowded streets, picket lines, and confrontations between the striking workers and the authorities, as well as quieter moments of family life within the immigrant community.

Overall, Prairie Fire: The Winnipeg General Strike of 1919 is a well-crafted miniseries that sheds light on an important chapter in Canadian history. It offers a compelling human story that is relevant to anyone interested in issues of labor, social justice, and immigration. The series is a reminder that even in the midst of turmoil and conflict, individuals can find hope and strength through solidarity and community.

Prairie Fire: The Winnipeg General Strike of 1919 is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between June 9, 1999 and on Entertainment One