Splinters of a Nation

A Documentary Film by G. Scott Porter

During World War II more than 370,000 German prisoners of war were captured overseas and sent to prison camps across America. SPLINTERS OF A NATION tells the extraordinary story of 8,000 prisoners sent to Utah.

For more than three years, these prisoners worked side-­‐by-­‐side with thousands of Utahns on farms and factories across the state. This powerful collision of two enemies on the home front created life-­‐changing exchanges and left behind some extraordinary tales. There were heroes, villains, murders, escapes, as well as amazing acts of humanity and inspiring friendships cast against the bitter backdrop of the war. Tragedy marked the end of their stay as a deranged American guard opened fire on hundreds of sleeping prisoners, killing nine and wounding 19. This tragic event in the small rural town of Salina became the largest WWII massacre on American soil.

We are a part of our people, a splinter of the nation which has been separated into a foreign land

Unknown German POW, Ogden, Utah 1945

The story is told primarily through first-hand accounts of living witnesses, including living POWs, interviewed in locations across Germany. Through never-before-seen footage and rare photographs, viewers see the prisoners as they really were, in the authentic Utah environment of the 1940’s. Dramatic recreations of the story's most important events create a visually rich experience. On-camera interviews from local, national and even international historians and scholars lend credibility and vital context to the film.