The Singing Revolution

Director: James Tusty, Maureen Castle Tusty

Length: 94 min. 

Released: 2007 

Most people haven't even heard of Estonia, and if they have they don't know much about it.  The small country (population: 1.34 million) is one of the Baltic States, along with Latvia and Lithuania, and is the northernmost of the three.  Just across the Baltic Sea lies Sweden and Finland, and to the east, Russia.

Like many countries in central and eastern Europe, Estonia was occupied first by the Nazis and later by the Soviets.  There was a brief period between World War I and II when they were fully independent.  In 1989, the Estonians began a peaceful revolution against their aggressors along with the Lithuanians and Latvians, which successfully freed them from occupation and led to the collapse of the U.S.S.R. in 1991.

Music has always been important in Estonia.  Pre-occupation, community music groups and festivals flourished.  Then, for decades, they were required to sing propagandist songs.  Finally, gathering at the summer music festival, a few people began to sing Estonian songs.  These demonstrations of national pride rallied all Estonians, and led to a complete revolution.  The story is amazing, and surprising in its success in the modern trigger-happy world.

Estonia is now one of the most prosperous countries from the Eastern Bloc.  It has been a member of the European Union since 2004 (with the euro), and places a strong emphasis on democracy, freedom and education.  Tallinn, the capital and largest city, has been named the European Capital of Culture for 2011.  If you are interested in visiting Estonia or want to learn more about upcoming musical events and festivals, visit the country's website:

Official website for the film