“Togo” is a 2019 American historical adventure drama and biographical film that tells the story of a heroic sled dog named Togo. Together with his musher, Leonhard Seppala, Togo braves extreme conditions during the 1925 diphtheria epidemic. The film, produced by Walt Disney Pictures, was entirely shot in Alberta. Learn more about the making of this remarkable film on calgary-trend.
Based on Real Events
Set in 1925, the film follows musher Leonhard Seppala, who embarks on a perilous journey to deliver life-saving diphtheria serum to the town of Nome. At the heart of the story is Togo, a Siberian Husky named after Admiral Togo Heihachiro of the Japanese navy. Initially dismissed as too small and weak to lead a sled team, Togo becomes the key to completing the arduous mission.
Nome, situated on Alaska’s Seward Peninsula near the Bering Strait, was established during the gold rush. By 1900, it was Alaska’s most populous city, home to around 12,000 people.
The film is based on the historic 1925 “Serum Run to Nome,” also known as the Great Race of Mercy, during which mushers and sled dogs transported diphtheria antitoxin across Alaska to combat a deadly outbreak. While the final leg of the relay, led by Gunnar Kaasen and his dog Balto, garnered the most attention, Seppala’s team covered the longest and most treacherous stretch—146 kilometres—with Togo at the helm.
Since 1973, the heroic feat has been commemorated through the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Alaska.
Capturing Alberta’s Natural Beauty
Filming took place between September 2018 and February 2019, with locations primarily in Cochrane, the Kananaskis Valley, and near Abraham Lake. According to director Ericson Core, no green screens or studio sets were used; all scenes were shot in Alberta’s breathtaking natural landscapes.
Key Filming Locations:
- Fortress Mountain (Kananaskis): Known for its stunning scenery, this location has also been featured in films like Inception and The Revenant. It served as a stand-in for Alaska’s rugged mountain terrain in Togo.
- Heritage Park Historical Village (Calgary): This open-air museum showcases Western Canada’s history, featuring restored historic buildings. In the film, the Prince House, originally built in 1894, serves as a key backdrop.
- CL Western Town & Backlot: A purpose-built film set west of Calgary, surrounded by the stunning foothills leading to the Rockies.
The Story Behind Togo
The film vividly portrays Seppala and Togo navigating frozen landscapes, perilous ice floes, and raging storms. Despite these dangers, they successfully deliver the life-saving serum to Nome. Togo, once considered unfit for leadership, emerges as a hero, demonstrating extraordinary resilience and loyalty.
Upon returning, the town celebrates Togo’s achievement. The film highlights Togo’s transformation from a sickly puppy to a courageous 12-year-old leader, whose determination saves countless lives.
Cast and Canine Stars
Leonhard Seppala is portrayed by Willem Dafoe, a multiple Academy Award nominee known for his roles in The Florida Project and Spider-Man. Julianne Nicholson plays his wife, Constance.
The role of Togo was shared by several Siberian Huskies, including Hugo, Mackey, and Diesel, provided by a dog-sledding company based in Canmore.
Balancing Fact and Fiction
Although Togo is rooted in real events, the film takes creative liberties for dramatic effect. For example, in the movie, Seppala is shown witnessing the initial diphtheria outbreak in Nome, inspiring him to join the serum run. In reality, he was not present during the decision-making process but was already widely regarded as Alaska’s fastest musher.
Another key moment in the film is Togo’s daring ice rescue, where he pulls the sled team across a break in the ice. This scene is based on a similar incident during a different expedition.
While Gunnar Kaasen’s team, led by Balto, completed the final leg of the serum run, Togo focuses on the unsung heroics of Seppala and his extraordinary dog, whose journey was the most gruelling of all.
Alberta’s Role in Togo’s Success
The film showcases Alberta’s stunning landscapes, enhancing the story’s authenticity and emotional impact. Locations like Fortress Mountain and Heritage Park bring 1925 Alaska to life, solidifying Alberta’s reputation as a top filming destination.
Togo is more than a film about a sled dog; it’s a testament to courage, determination, and the bond between humans and animals.
