To Breathe as One
2013 · 55m · Documentary · Music
In 2009 Maureen & James Tusty, filmmakers for The Singing Revolution, produced a second film out of Estonia. Seen nationally on U.S. Public Broadcasting, this one hour documentary tells the history of Estonia’s massive Song Festival, and the role music plays in Estonian culture, even today.
More Like This
Latvian Song and Dance Festival 2023
2023
A highlight of Baltic culture, the festival dedicated to Latvian song and dance celebrates its 150th anniversary in Riga.
More info →Estland im Aufbruch - Eine sowjetische Ostseerepublik sucht ihren Weg
1989
Occupied Estonia on its way to freedom. Demonstrations, public discussions, a "singing revolution". Goal: more self-determination and autonomy. At a time when almost 50% of the population is Russian, Estonians are fighting to rediscover their nationality. There are protests against Russian paternalism, Estonian is to become the national language again. Relations between the peoples shall normalize in order to enable peaceful coexistence.
More info →In the Steps of Forgotten Peoples
2021
Unustatud rahvad (1970 - 1989) by Estonian composer Veljo Tormas is based upon six Balto-Finnic peoples traditions. Collegium Musicale choir brought the songs to different sides of Baltic coasts to liven current citizens connections for fleeting past and strengthen their identity.
More info →
In the Lands of Mist
2024 · ★ 8
Does Europe also have its own animistic heritage, like Pachamama in South America and Shinto in Japan? If so, which one? In the Misty Lands, i.e. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, a sacred fire is lit on the winter solstice to celebrate the return of the sun and ancient beliefs that have been forgotten in the rest of Europe for thousands of years. Sophie Planque and Jérémy Vaugeois decided to take a journey on bicycles to experience the Baltic winter and meet the people who keep their ancestral culture alive. A unique heritage that reinforces a deep relationship with nature.
More info →
Matsalu Moose: Wild Giants of the Baltics
2019
Matsalu Bay in the Baltic Sea is an important stopover for migrating birds and home to many rare plant and animal species. For most of the year, moose roam the marshes and plains of Matsalu, which is a nature reserve and under strict protection.
More info →Regilaul - Songs of the Ancient Sea
2011 · ★ 7
On the shores of the Gulf of Finland, the ancient Finno-Ugric peoples originated a singing tradition of mysterious power called the Regilaul. These songs are the roots of Estonia’s renowned singing culture. Based on the continuous repetition of eight-syllable verses, they produce a haunting sound able to connect the fleeting present with the eternal circle of life. Against the stunning setting of modern Estonia, this film explores how Regi songs still fire the imagination today, weaving together people and nature through song.
More info →
Bach: Magnificat - Karajan
1984
Live performance of Johann Sebastian Bach's Magnificat, BWV 243 from Herbert von Karajan's New Year's Eve concert in 1984.
More info →
Homeland
1990 · ★ 10
The film is an emotional story about fateful historical events in the 20th century, which took place in three Baltic countries- Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. The story is also about their efforts to regain independence.
More info →
Verdi: Requiem
1982
Live performance of Verdi's Missa da Requiem at the Edinburgh Festival in 1982. An all-star quartet of soloists under the baton of Claudio Abbado, recorded in high definition audio.
More info →
The Baltic Tragedy
1985
Special care has been taken by International Historic Films to assemble this monumental documentary, which tells the story of what is left for a people after its land has been ravaged by war. Situated between the powerful antagonists Germany and the Soviet Union, the Baltic nations of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia bore witness to some of the most ferocious land battles of the Second World War.
More info →