Interview: Peter Jackson on his WWI commemoration, 'They Shall Not Grow Old'

In an exclusive interview with The Playlist, the Oscar winner discusses his landmark First World War feature documentary film.

Peter Jackson

Peter Jackson, at the London Film Festival premiere of 'They Shall Not Grow Old'. Source: Getty

Peter Jackson's They Shall Not Grow Old will screen in Australian cinemas on November 11, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day, the day on which the allies and Germans agreed to cease hostilities in what is known as the Great War. 

Jackson mined the BBC and museum archives for historical footage that was then restored and hand-colourised. Combined with the voices of the veterans, the project seeks to bring to life the reality of war on the front line for a new generation.

"What stood out for me once we saw the footage was that the men in the pictures were exactly like us," Jackson, whose grandfather fought in the conflict, said.

In an interview with The Playlist, Jackson talks about why he was moved to bring his technical skills to the real stories of history. 

Listen to Peter Jackson

(from 6:32)



 

Watch the trailer for 'They Shall Not Grow Old'


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