by Óscar Galansky
The idea for this video came from my long-standing interest in the Canadian Army Film & Photo Unit (CFPU), which began in 2017 when I was gifted a book about combat cameramen and I met this remarkable unit.
As a filmmaker, I’m naturally drawn to the stories of cameramen rather than still photographers. And while all the CFPU biographies fascinate me, I find the stories of those who fell in action especially moving. Among them, James Campbell’s story stood out even more because it unfolded in Normandy—a place I love. I also believe that small, personal stories like his are essential pieces of the larger historical narrative, and I’m glad to contribute to bringing them to light through my work.
This particular video took a great deal of time to make, involving documentation research, recordings in real locations, and reenacted scenes.
One highlight is the use of the Eyemo camera—perhaps the crown jewel of my collection!—which plays a special role in the project. But also the Glengarry, as there are so few photos of James during the war, I thought it would be meaningful to use it as a unifying thread.
I plan to continue making more videos about the Canadian Film & Photo Unit to share their stories with my audience, which is predominantly Spanish-speaking and I’m afraid, an unfamiliar topic outside of Canada.
FILMING THE WAR Life and destiny of JAMES CAMPBELL by Óscar Galansky [ NOTE: For English translation/subtitles, select the Closed Caption icon 🇨‌🇨‌available in the YouTube Player ].
I want to thank Oscar very much for sharing his video with the Film Unit website. I have known Oscar ever since he reached out in regards to a re-enactment he participated in back in 2018. Read more about his efforts to honour the Canadian Film & Photo Unit by following the link below;
Production stills provided by Oscar Galansky in the making of his video, FILMING THE WAR 🎥 Life and destiny of JAMES CAMPBELL. All images © Oscar Galansky. Used with permission.
© 2025 Oscar Galansky
“We Recorded History”
Thank you very much for sharing this video with the Film Unit website Oscar. It is people like yourself, and others here, that help keep the memory of the Unit alive. Through their films and photographs that survive today, the history and memory of the men and women who served during a crucial moment in World history will live on for generations.
Thank you for your help in preparing this and other videos about the Film & Photo Unit. I truly appreciate your time and expertise—it makes always a real difference.
Best regards from Spain!
Hi Oscar – you are very welcome! Thanks again for sharing your stories and honouring the men and women of the Canadian Army Film & Photo Unit!