I've received a few emails asking if "The Singing Revolution" is appropriate for children to see. Many people would like to share this story with their families and young children. Although this is such a personal judgment, I'll offer what I can as the mother of a two year old...

A film such as this is often not rated in the U.S., but in Canada it received a rating of PG for mild violence (all films must be rated in Canada regardless). If you watch the trailer on the website, you will see an archival execution scene. That is one of two such archival execution scenes near the beginning of the film, along with two or three archival shots of mass graves (it’s old, grainy footage, but people are crying over bodies none-the-less). Near the end of the film there are also two images from news footage of the protestors who were killed at the Vilnius TV tower in 1991. These are brief, but probably the most graphic images in the film.

I have received emails from people who have brought their 10, 11 & 12 year old children to see the film, but that is really such a personal decision. I hesitate to be too specific, since all family situations are different, as are all children. But personally I would have to say that under 9 or 10 is probably too young for this film.

An alternative I've suggested to a few people is to wait until the DVD comes out, then you can see the film yourself in advance, and watch it together with your children if you feel it's appropriate. The film is also a 95 minute documentary, so that probably helps with the boredom factor, too!

We produced this film for theaters (30,000 people singing in harmony - of course that has to be on a big screen!) So feel free to come yourself to see it in the theaters, then you can purchase the DVD later on to watch with your kids, if appropriate (of course I have to make that plug, but I do think it's a good way to go as well!)
maureen