A heartfelt tribute more than a decade in the making took center stage in Midale over the Saskatchewan Day long weekend, as filmmaker Jack Hilkewich premiered a special extended version of Mainprize, a documentary honouring one of the most iconic figures in southeast Saskatchewan’s history.
The film tells the story of Dr. William Graham Mainprize, a dedicated country doctor who began serving the Midale region in 1911. Throughout his lifetime in the area, he delivered over 5000 babies. Known for his ingenuity and tireless commitment to rural healthcare, Mainprize’s legacy lives on in parks, facilities, and now, on screen.
“This version was purposely kept long,” explained Hilkewich, who hosted screenings at Midale Central School. “I wanted to include everyone who helped, those who donated, gave archival material, and were interviewed. This was for them.”
The special “thank-you cut” drew viewers from across the province and beyond, many of whom were either featured in the film or had personal ties to the story. “I know there was a number of people with ties to Midale that were here. Some I didn’t even recognize until I heard their family name again,” said Hilkewich.
The journey to the screen began all the way back in 2011 and stretched across 14 years, with Hilkewich gathering over 77 interviews, scanning thousands of photos, and making research trips across Saskatchewan and Alberta.
The premiere had an emotional edge, Hilkewich shared that at least 16 or 17 of the people interviewed have passed away, including one whose funeral took place just the day before the screening.
“That’s why I pushed to get this version done,” he said. “Most of the people who knew Doc are getting older. I didn’t want it to drag on any longer.”
But the documentary is just one part of a broader legacy project.
As the film came together, Hilkewich partnered with local author Mary Lou Rosengren to create a companion book using the transcripts. That book, designed as a photo-heavy coffee-table edition, is expected to be released this fall.
All proceeds from the book will go toward a newly established Dr. Mainprize Bursary, which will support Saskatchewan students entering medical, dental, veterinary, or optometry programs based on financial need.
“It’s not based on grades,” said Hilkewich. “If you live in Saskatchewan and are going to school here in a health-related field, you’ll be able to apply.”
Despite working in the film industry for years, Hilkewich said Mainprize was truly a grassroots project, funded entirely by private donations, no grants, no broadcasters, no government support.
“There were some major donors, but a lot of small ones too,” he said. “People who didn’t even know Doc gave money. That kind of shows you what kind of spirit there is in Saskatchewan. It might be hidden deeply nowadays, but it’s still there.”
Hilkewich hopes the film does more than tell one man’s story.
“This film is a celebration of community,” he said. “And maybe, after watching it, people will try a little harder in their own community to make a difference.”