Identity area
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Collection
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76 photographs
Context area
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Biographical history
Otto Klassen was born April 7, 1927 in Schoeneberg, Ukraine to Bernhard Klassen and Katharina Derksen. He came to Germany in 1944. In 1947 he moved to Paraguay, settling in the Volendam Mennonite settlement. He married Kaethe Bergen in Paraguay in 1949. The family immigrated to Canada in 1955 and settled in Winnipeg where Otto established his own company, O. Klassen Masonry Ltd.
Otto Klassen received his first camera in 1944 and was also involved with filmmaking at that time. It was in Canada after 1955 that Klassen was inspired by Walt Disney, that he decided to pursue his filmmaking interest. He purchased his first professional 16 mm camera in 1967. He received much advise and encouragement from chief film editor of the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) at that time.
Otto Klassen has become well known as a professional cameraman and independent film producer. His documentary films and videos are about Mennonite history, life, events and celebrations.
Otto Klassen died on 17 January 2018 in Winnipeg.