Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Film: The Singing Revolution (James and Maureen Tusty, 2007)

The Singing Revolution (made by American filmmakers James and Maureen Tusty with partners from the Estonia film community) documents Estonia's history in the 20th century, through interviews with about 20 participants in the critical period during which the Baltic Nations broke away from the Soviet Union. The question is: How did the people pull off a non-violent overthrow of foreign rulers... and the answer, in large part, is by using music and massive public song festivals as a way to reinforce unity and national identity. This is a most unusual documentary, very touching.