Dear TSR Friends,
Jim & I will be in Estonia the next few weeks to film the 2009 Song Festival, Laulupidu. (A new project we'll be telling you more about later!)
While there, we have been asked to host a discussion on "The Singing Revolution" at the Museum of Occupations. It's an opportunity to meet with us, the Filmmakers, and former Prime Minister of Estonia Mart Laar!
Prime Minister Laar is two-time Prime Minister of Estonia (and the first freely elected Prime Minister after Estonia regained her independence in 1991!), an active political leader, and a central figure in the process of the Singing Revolution in the 1980s. He will be joining us to share experiences from these historical events.
If this piques your interest and you're considering attending this year's festival in Estonia, it's a wonderful way to support our continued efforts to share this important part of world history.
Three fascinating topics will be covered over the 2 1/2 hour event with discussions related to the genesis of the film The Singing Revolution, an eyewitness account of the Singing Revolution, and a talk on art and freedom. Time will also be allocated for informal discussions as well as simply visiting Estonia's Museum of Occupations.
The filmmakers and Prime Minister Laar will also be available to sign TSR books and DVDs if you bring them with you!
The event is Sunday, July 5th at 9:30am (that leaves plenty of time to get to the song festival in the afternoon!)
In case you are interested in joining the optional tour, the cost is 75 EUR/1175 EEK per person (approx $105US or $118CAD). The fee can be paid on site in cash or in advance by credit card. The event is organized by Astellaria Travel Agency, and a portion of the fee will go to The Singing Revolution.
To sign up, please contact Uve Poom (uve.poom@astellaria.ee) by June 29th!
thanks, and hope to see you in Tallinn!
maureen
Comments (3)
Hello
I'm from Estonia and I saw your movie and I loved it. I participated on the Song Festival and I love that you promote Estonian culture in USA.
Thank you.
Angela
Posted by Angela Mettus | July 6, 2009 6:31 AM
Posted on July 6, 2009 06:31
I took my dad (80yrs old) to see your movie and it gave him a rare glimpse of his heritage as he left Estonia as a small boy with his parents just before the Nazi occupation. He cried when he was able to see pictures of his aunt singing at the Estonian song festival clearly shown in your film from old footage clips.
We will never know what happened to all his aunts, uncles and cousins but you gave him a sense of happiness, understanding and pride......Thank you.
Posted by Christine (Lubja) Waddell | July 10, 2009 1:31 PM
Posted on July 10, 2009 13:31
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
Posted by Maureen Tusty | July 13, 2009 1:06 PM
Posted on July 13, 2009 13:06