'Eternal Vigilance', written a directed by Jay Pressnell, co-created by Martin Bennett, is a short documentary film dedicated to the people of Franklin, New Zealand, whose real stories and experiences during the second world war are told and shared, evoking memories of a time of anxiety, trauma, elation, celebration and togetherness. Franklin was an incredibly significant place in the war effort, moving from a sleepy market region to the centre of the growing industry for the Pacific, providing dehydrated vegetables for those around the region. It was also a base in the Pacific for American forces, who utilised the area for recuperation, recreation and training. Many of the stories focus on the huge variety of experiences of the people living at the time, their shared view of the world coming together in a place when the world was in a period of uncertainty. The two film makers, Martin Bennett and Jay Pressnell, first brought this documentary to the people of Franklin in 2012 for an exhibition titled 'Franklin, The Homefront' at the NZ Steel Gallery and had a one off showing of the documentary at Pukekohe Town Hall to coincide with Anzac Day. Both film makers share a passion for history, but also share a heritage where their grandfathers both served in Montgomery's 8th Army in North Africa during the war. Eternal Vigilance evokes a time of intense struggle and anxiety, but also evokes a time of solidarity, community spirit, resilience and positivity. A film for all ages, a film for future generations to understand the true meaning of sacrifice and the true meaning of human capability at a time when the world collapsed around them. We hope you enjoy the film below and some of the stills from the people involved in the storytelling of the film.