Jim and Maureen Tusty, THE SINGING REVOLUTION documentary filmmakers: Mr. Media Interview

Summary: There is an infamous line from the Nazi era, allegedly attributed to propaganda minister Josef Goebbels: “When I hear the word ‘culture’ I reach for my gun.” By contrast, the people of Estonia, when faced with many guns, reached for their culture. Though one of the world's smallest countries, Estonia has one of the world's largest repertoires of folk songs. In 1987, these songs became the cornerstone of Estonia’s resistance against Soviet occupation, as they defied the Kremlin by singing banned nationalist hymns and anthems across the nation, liberating themselves from Soviet Rule. Filmmakers Jim and Maureen Tusty (whose parents were Estonian) have brought this story to life in The Singing Revolution, a New York Times “Critic Pick” film that documents this untold, legendary tale of freedom—ultimately and shockingly accomplished without a single life lost. Jim and Maureen Tusty will join Mr. Media to talk about this tremendous story, the ongoing political struggles of the country, and how peace became the anchor of Estonia’s values today. Visit their website: singingrevolution.com.