GOSPEL OF THE PATRIOTIC
A Story of the Unwavering Dedication of the No. 2 Construction Battalion
A Short Film
Written and Directed by Allan Louis
Music Composed by Jeremiah Sparks
Runtime: Approximately 25 Minutes
We appreciate your interest in our future project.
LOG LINE
Four extraordinary Canadian storytellers bring to life the inspiring voyage of the Number 2 Battalion, taking audiences on a journey of discovery filled with personal stories of hope, laughter, and song, all while weaving in poignant historical insights through arresting visuals that celebrate bravery and camaraderie.
SYNOPSIS
In the shadow of the Great War, the No. 2 Construction Battalion, composed of Black Canadian men, defied segregation and prejudice with unwavering dedication by building trenches and railways that fortified the Allied front. Gospel of the Patriotic brings their courage to life through a powerful fusion of song, storytelling, and striking visuals, revealing a forgotten chapter of valour and resilience that shaped history beyond the battlefield.
Experience the powerful retelling of the No. 2 Construction Battalion's legacy and the spirit of brotherhood that defined an era.
THE DEmo REEL
Meet the Guys
HANK (30)
A rock-ribbed farmer and the sole protector of his family's legacy. Raised by a mother who survived the shackles of slavery, Hank carries a quiet, formidable strength that anchors his home on the Five Mile Plains.
“I could hear somebody screaming for their mamma… only to realize I was the one screaming.”
JABARI (17)
The embodiment of youthful conviction and boundless optimism. Leaving behind the simple life of Upper Big Tracadie, Jabari trades his innocence for a uniform, driven by a fierce need to prove his worth on the world's stage.
“We all wanted to join the fight, to prove we belonged, even if the world told us otherwise.”
CLEVELAND (22)
A spirit of pure adventure caught between duty and devotion. Far from his new bride and the comforts of home, Cleveland’s thirst for discovery becomes his armor, guiding him through the worst of the Great War and back to the soil of Africville.
“Boarding the SS Southland, a flicker of doubt crossed my mind. With a deep breath, I stepped aboard.”
TREMBLAY (40)
A soulful visionary whose greatest weapon is his imagination. A master of metaphor in a world of harsh reality, Tremblay endures the distance of battle to return as a timeless storyteller for his seventeen grandchildren.
“In this forest, even war could not silence the simple joys of brotherhood and survival.”
MEET THE CREATORS
ALLAN LOUIS
Writer / Director
Allan Louis was born in Haiti and is fluent in English, Spanish, and Kreyól. A graduate of The Goodman School of Drama, Louis has over thirty years of experience in stage, television, and film. Currently in his eighth season at the Shaw Festival, he has performed from Hollywood to Broadway. In 2019, he represented Canada at the Edinburgh International Festival in Stan Douglas’s Helen Lawrence. His Dora-nominated performance in Red Velvet and his barrier-breaking portrayal of Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady showcase his immense range. Louis holds a deep passion for telling the overlooked stories of the Black experience in Canada, notably through his work with the Voices of Freedom digital park in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
JEREMIAH SPARKS
Musical Direction / Composer
Jeremiah Sparks is one of Canada’s most commanding performers, celebrated for his powerhouse voice and magnetic presence. A lifelong musician, Sparks led the Nova Scotia Mass Choir before launching a distinguished national career. Best known for his iconic role as Mufasa in the Toronto production of Disney’s The Lion King, he has graced stages across the country in roles such as Louis Armstrong in Satchmo Suite and Lanier Phillips in Oil and Water. His extensive theatre credits include productions at Neptune Theatre and multiple seasons with the Stratford Festival and the Shaw Festival. A recipient of the Queen’s Gold Medal, Sparks continues to be a defining voice in African Nova Scotian culture, weaving together soul, history, and survival through his art.