February 26, 2010

Road maps for peaceful activism

We've often felt "The Singing Revolution" is a road map for how to create a nonviolent revolution, even when there seems to be no hope at all.

Here's another site, informationactivism.org, that's literally about offering educational tips and materials for peaceful activism. The video interviews - embedded below - are a fascinating glimpse of how modern media (video, web, Facebook) are being used to counteract oppression in various regions of our world...but these tools need to be used carefully...

Tactic 1 - Mobilise people from Tactical Technology Collective on Vimeo.

February 24, 2010

Happy Independence Day Estonia!

Happy Independence Day Estonia! This is the original independence day, not to be confused with Re-Independence from the Soviets in August of '91. February 24th is sort of the equivalent of America's 4th of July!

February 12, 2010

Forest Brother Alfred Kaarmann Dies (see video of him)

On February 4, 2010 Estonian Forrest Brother Alfred Kaarmann died at the age of 87.
AlfredKaarmann1.jpg
A small portion of Alfred's experience as a Forest Brother is shared in "The Singing Revolution". You may recall the images of an elderly man showing one of the underground bunkers in which he survived for eight years, one month, and seven days.
AlfredKaarmann2.jpg
A few facts about Alfred Kaarmann's life:
*During the German occupation of Estonia Alfred was drafted and forced into the German army near the end of WWII.
*At the end of the war, when the Soviets re-occupied Estonia, Alfred was targeted for deportation to Siberia because he had been in the German army (his brother had already been sent to a prison camp for the same reason).
*So he fled to the forest to hide, and joined the Forest Brothers resistance movement.
*After 2 years in the forest he was shot in the arm while fleeing a Soviet ambush and lost his arm due to the injury.
*After 8 years, one month, and seven days in the forest, Alfred was betrayed and captured by the Soviets.
*He was sentenced to 25 years, and survived 15 years, in a Soviet prison camp. He was released "early" in 1967.
*His high school sweetheart, Kleina, waited for him all this time. While hiding as a forest brother, Alfred would visit her when he could - only staying briefly each time so as to not put her family at risk. During this time they had a daughter.
*As a former "political prisoner", he was not allowed to live in Estonia upon his release from prison. But Kleina could not leave Estonia, as she was born there and free travel was not allowed in the Soviet Union. So Alfred chose to live in Latvia near the Estonian border and illegally crossed over to visit his common-law wife and daughter (authorities never allowed them to marry legally).
*Finally in 1981, he was allowed to live in Estonia again, and Alfred and Kleina were finally able to live together. But he was on the Soviet list of "undesirables" and finding work to survive and provide for his family was always a challenge.
*Alfred's wife Kleina died in 1992.
*During his interview Alfred spoke very proudly of his daughter, who at that time I believe was working as a lawyer in Europe.

Having had the privilege of meeting and talking at length with Alfred through the making of this film was a powerful experience for both Jim and myself. It was an honor to get to know him. At the risk of sounding trite, I will share with you that Alfred Kaarmann became a personal symbol for us of what a person can endure, survive through, and even thrive over.

Whenever we hit a personal roadblock, or yet another financial crisis with the film and catch ourselves heading into self-pity, all one of us has to say to the other is "Alfred Kaarmann", and everything is instantly put back into perspective. Our tribulations are petty indeed.

Alfred's story is so important, and so powerful to hear in his own words, that the Collector's and Educational DVD sets for "The Singing Revolution" have nearly 50 minutes of Alfred's full interview. No music, no pictures...just Alfred telling his story in his own words. It is as compelling as any Hollywood drama.

There's a 2 minute clip from Alfred's Interview on the TSR Facebook page talking about what his wife endured while he was in prison. I think it's quite moving. Go to: http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=304458248138&oid=5172328175&saved

February 2, 2010

Some good articles on current Freedom issues in IRAN/TAIWAN/TIBET...

IRAN:
Iran to hang nine more over election unrest
TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran said on Tuesday it would soon hang nine more rioters over the unrest that erupted after the June presidential vote, and the leader of the opposition said such repression showed the 1979 Islamic revolution had failed.

"Nine others will be hanged soon. The nine, and the two who were hanged on Thursday, were surely arrested in the recent riots and had links to anti-revolutionary groups," said senior judiciary official Ebrahim Raisi, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.

The two men hanged last week were among a group of 11 people sentenced to death on charges including "waging war against God" and being members of armed groups. is involved in the Darkhovin oilfield.
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE61122R20100202?feedType=nl&feedName=ustopnewsearly


TAIWAN:
China versus Taiwan: How the political standoff may end
FULL ARTICLE:
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE61111H20100202?loomia_ow=t0:s0:a49:g43:r1:c0.206307:b30194914:z0
EXCERPT:
BEIJING/TAIPEI (Reuters) - China has expressed fury at Washington's announcement of a new arms package for self-ruled Taiwan, saying it threatens the task of peaceful reunification between the two sides.

China and Taiwan, once at the brink of war before a thaw in relations, have avoided discussing their political future and instead focused on forming closer economic ties.

A non-violent solution is iffy more than 60 years after the Communist victory in the Chinese civil war, which forced the defeated Nationalist Party (KMT) to flee to Taiwan.

China, the world's third-largest economy and a veto-wielding member of the U.N. Security Council, claims sovereignty over ethnically Chinese Taiwan and has not renounced the use of force to bring the proudly democratic island under its control...


TIBET:
China warns U.S. on Dalai Lama, says to punish arms firms
FULL ARTICLE: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE61111C20100202?feedType=nl&feedName=ustopnewsearly
BEIJING (Reuters) - China said a possible meeting between President Barack Obama and the Dalai Lama would further harm Sino-U.S. relations, and vowed to go ahead with unspecified sanctions against U.S. firms selling arms to Taiwan...

December 24, 2009

Holiday Message from 'The Singing Revolution' Filmmakers

Dear TSR Friends:

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season. Thank you for all of your support of "The Singing Revolution", it would not have happened without you.

During this holiday season, we cherish the freedom we enjoy to openly celebrate in the way we each individually choose, and we celebrate what people are capable of achieving peacefully.

"The Singing Revolution" continues to play in theaters, universities and colleges. There are also discussions with PBS in the works, and we're hopeful that 2010 will be the year of serious television distribution.

We'll be sure to keep you posted with the latest news on "The Singing Revolution", and you can always visit the film's website for updates, upcoming screenings, and blog posts at www.singingrevolution.com.

Warmest wishes,

Maureen & James Tusty
Producers/Directors of "The Singing Revolution"

December 16, 2009

"The Singing Revolution" named the #1 holiday pick in Barron's Magazine

"The Singing Revolution" was named the #1 holiday pick in Barron's Magazine this weekend! DVD and Book available on the film's website. Here's what they wrote...

By GENE EPSTEIN
"If books help you think and pictures help you feel, then moving pictures augmented by words can help you feel thoughts. As a diehard print person, I still insist books alone present thoughts and ideas with due evidence and nuance. But the visceral power of film is undeniable, especially when intensified by the power of song. "The Singing Revolution", a 2007 film narrated by actress Linda Hunt, tells the thrilling story of the tiny country of Estonia's nonviolent fight for independence, first against Nazi Germany and then the Soviet Union. It may be too much to say Estonian folk-singing literally was the revolution. But the film makes a strong case that popular song played a special role in moving Estonians to revolt."

Here's the full article...

http://online.barrons.com/article_email/SB126058426624988461-lMyQjAxMDI5NjEwMjUxODI0Wj.html#articleTabs_panel_article%3D1

December 10, 2009

"Must Watch Videos from IRAN" and RFE/RL

Here's a link to the Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty site, with an post about how CELL PHONE videos and YOUTUBE are changing the face or protest/awareness in Iran.

It's also a great reminder of the important role RFE/RL still plays in sharing accurate news in oppressed regions of the world. As they state on their website..."the first requirement of democracy is a well-informed citizenry. By promoting the free flow of information, RFE/RL supports the development of civil society and thus makes a contribution to long-term development and stability in the region we cover. It's hard to imagine a more direct, effective way of supporting human rights and promoting democracy and the rule of law. We reach 17.6 million people in 20 countries..."

http://www.rferl.org/content/Five_MustWatch_Iran_Videos__/1899653.html

November 25, 2009

World March for Peace & Nonviolence Coming to the US ( NYC, DC, FL, CA)

November 30th the World March for Peace & Nonviolence comes to the US, kicking off in NYC. Visit their website for the full list of cities...

http://www.worldmarchusa.net/

The World March Comes to the US! Nov 30th - Dec 3rd
The international World March Team arrives in the United States on Monday, November 30 -- 35 countries, 4 continents and 60 days after setting out from New Zealand. Now it's our turn to express ourselves and take a stand: for the abolition of nuclear weapons, for an end to war as a means of resolving conflict, and for a new global consciousness based on nonviolence & the rejection of all forms of violence.

November 30th: NYC
Join the World Marchers for Peace and Nonviolence on their first day in North America.

1 PM: March Over the Brooklyn Bridge
3 PM: Press Conference/City Proclamation at City Hall
7 PM: "Beyond Violence": Performance & Celebration at Riverside Church

December 1st: NYC
12 noon: Ceremony of Reconciliation at Ground Zero
READ MORE
More info: www.worldmarchinnyc.org

http://www.worldmarchusa.net/

November 23, 2009

Dangerously Flawed Thinking: A Statue for Stalin at the U.S. D-Day Memorial

The National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia is honoring Josef Stalin by placing his bust on a pedestal at its museum. Read some of the explanation below. For me, the logic is painfully flawed and simplistic. How can they not understand the greater implication of such a representation of one of history's most murderous tyrants? If they're simply trying to reflect the parties involved during these times, do they also have a statue or bust of Hitler in the same light? There has to be another way to represent this history more accurately...

AN EXCERPT FROM THE DAILY NEWS...

"William McIntosh, president of the memorial in Bedford, Va., insisted "the function of this sculpture is not to honor Stalin."
Stalin is included with the busts of Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill because the Soviets "secured the eastern front and helped win the war," he said.
"He's part of the narrative thread and the mission of the foundation is preserve the legacies and lessons of D-Day. One of the legacies of D-Day is the Cold War."
That explanation did not wash with Alex Storozynski of the Kosciuszko Foundation in Manhattan, whose father fought at D-Day as a member of a Polish Army unit.
"Given McIntosh's logic, should America put up a statue of Saddam Hussein because he was an ally of the U.S. in the 1980s when we supported Iraq in a war against Iran?" Storozynski wrote on Huffington Post..."

AND AN EXCERPT FROM STOROZYNSKI'S FULL ARTICLE:

"Hitler and Stalin were allies and started World War II in 1939 by both attacking Poland at the same time. But William McIntosh, the D-Day Memorial's president says that because Stalin became a U.S. ally after Germany invaded Russia, he deserves to be acknowledged along with Winston Churchill and Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

McIntosh is wrong. Stalin only gave lip service to the allies so that they would attack Nazi Germany on the Western front. Stalin did not liberate Eastern Europe from the Nazis in 1945; he sent in Soviet troops that occupied half of Europe until the Berlin Wall fell in 1989. Stalin the communist barely hid his disdain for capitalist America during WWII, and once the war ended, he began the Cold War and ordered his scientists to work on missiles and nuclear weapons that could destroy the United States..."

You can write to the D-Day Memorial at: dday@dday.org

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alex-storozynski/us-honors-stalin-on-hallo_b_363141.html?view=print

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/2009/11/19/2009-11-19_wwii_vets_up_in_arms_over_addition_of_soviet_dictator_stalins_bust_at_national_d.html

Continue reading»

November 10, 2009

"The Singing Revolution" now available on PAL DVD!

We are very excited to announce the release of "The Singing Revolution" on PAL DVD, with multiple subtitles.

The PAL DVD offers subtitles in Dutch, Estonian, French, German, Russian, and Spanish.

The DVD can be purchased at the film's website store: http://www.singingrevolution.com/cgi-local/store.cgi

PAL is the DVD standard for countries and regions such as Australia, most of Europe, Brazil, most of Africa, Estonia, and elsewhere. NTSC is the format for the US, Canada, Japan, much of South America and other regions.

Below is a link to a site that lists all countries and their formats (for those listed as SECAM, they are most often PAL DVD countries these days.)

http://www.dvdbuyingguide.com/codefreedvd/ntscchart.html

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Recent Comments

  • Christine Madar on Forest Brother Alfred Kaarmann Dies (see video of him)


    Remarkable story. I watched your film for the first time last night. A minister in Melbourne, Australia recommended it to my husband when we were there last December.

    I will recite the Universal Peace Covenant in honor of Albert when I am in the Peace Dome on the campus where I live. One of the lines "Peace is our birthright." strikes me as appropriate to his story.

    Sincerely,
    Christine Madar

  • Mattias on Russia accuses Poland of starting WWII & go to jail if you claim Soviets occupied Baltics

    Russia's law to forbid "falsify" of its history (also in foreign countries) and creation of the Historical Truth Committee would be quite a funny act, if it wouldn't be so sad. I add here a link to a satirical video about deportation. I can't imagine how deportation will be described in Russia's official view on history, but the clip definitely gives them some ideas on that. Although a joke might not be appropriate to address a topic so serious I believe in a way it describes the deportations quite adequately.

    The video: http://tinyurl.com/ybdo36b

    Mattias

  • Carlos on The Film's Rating & Is It Appropriate for Children?

    The scene with the excecution is really disturbing even for me who likes the gangster and mafia-related movies. I know that it is one second in the documental but one image could tell you more that thousands of words. Hopelly you will edit this scene.
    Thanks

  • karin on The Film's Rating & Is It Appropriate for Children?

    Hello!

    I am really happy, that you made a fantastic film about Estonia's history.

    I am estonian and I was born at the same time when Singing Revolution began in Estonia and when was Baltic Way in 23rd of August 1989.
    I was too young to remember it. It's honour to be a part of a small country.

    Merry Christmas!

  • JMMX on The Film's Rating & Is It Appropriate for Children?

    I would caution - do not underestimate the power of graphic violence.

    I remember as a young child coming across the very first Life article with photos of the holocaust. I was traumatized and haunted by them for years - still am to some extent.

    Granted that these few scenes are short and in comparison to the violence in entertainment films, quite mild. But they are REAL. This is not fiction. There is something terribly disturbing about them.

    I would personally avoid these scenes with anyone under High School age.

  • Catherine on The Film's Rating & Is It Appropriate for Children?

    On a related note - I see you have compiled a package in your store for educators. I do not have a whole classroom, only my own children to teach...For those of us trying to share this story with our children at home, are there any materials available separately to accompany the film, or suggested activities? There's such a powerful story in this film, and it's such a big part of my children's cultural inheritance, so I definitely want to make this the best experience possible for them.

  • Maureen Castle Tusty on Controlling History

    Gwendolyn,
    wonderful site - thanks for the post!
    maureen

  • Gwendolyn on Controlling History

    I have just created a post about The Singing Revolution" on my blog , www.firefliesofhope.com. I am a musician and hope that more people can come to understand the power of music to bring unity. Thanks for all you do.

  • Maureen Tusty on TSR EVENT IN ESTONIA JULY 5th INVITATION

    Thank you for sharing your father's experience, Christine. I'd love to know what shot your Aunt is in, it would be nice to have a name, an identity, to go along with those scenes of unknown faces. Kind regards!
    maureen

  • Maureen Tusty on GETTING INTO AUSTRALIA/EUROPE/ASIA

    Hey Jarey - totally agree. And another key would be to keep the world press watching, then they really couldn't crack down the same way on it. It's always shocking to learn what totalitarian regimes can get away with when the rest of the world isn't paying attention...
    maureen