Going North is a fine example of a classic Allied propaganda film from the Second World War. It tells the story of the massive force moving from the southern Pacific towards Japan — heading north. With imposing images, pompous music and a sharp commentary voice, the film leaves no doubt about the determination of the Allied troops.
Remarkably, the film is a Dutch production, made on behalf of the NIGIS — the Netherlands Indies Government Information Service. This service was based in Australia and served as the mouthpiece for the Dutch authorities expelled from the Indies. Going North was something of an overgrown side project by NIGIS cameraman Alex Cann, a Canadian. Acting as a representative of the Netherlands, he joined the troops of American General MacArthur. These forces were originally to recapture the islands of the Indonesian archipelago from the Japanese. But plans changed — the American military turned north towards the Philippines. Alex Cann went with them, against NIGIS instructions. As a result, he became the first to capture the landing on the Philippine island of Leyte — a scoop that appeared in all American cinema newsreels.
Cann’s wilfulness was forgiven by his superiors. His real talent did not lie in his official assignment — recording the work of Dutch officials returning to New Guinea. Cann excelled when soldiers were in action. In May 1945, Going North won the top prize at the new United Nations Film Festival in Paris. The fact that it was a Dutch entry can only be gathered from an opening title; there is not a single Dutch ship to be seen in the film. The Dutch did not participate in the advance towards Japan. However, in another Dutch film about this advance — Through Darkness to Light — a few Dutch ships and flags were inserted, interspersed with footage from Going North. After all, a propaganda service like the NIGIS was also there to keep national pride alive.
Watch the 10 minute movie on the Dutch site ‘Andere Tijden’ .
