The Singing Revolution

There are some documentaries that have great themes and stories yet are too pedantic to be seated in the pantheon of non-fiction films. The Singing Revolution sums up the history of Estonia. There's a lot of information hurled at the viewer and those with the patience to sort through it will find an uplifting saga where non-violent protest defeats brute totalitarianism.
The first couple of reels recount the history of that region of Europe during the 20th century with an emphasis on Estonia throughout the WWII period. During this time frame they were occupied by Stalin's Russia, the Nazis and then Russia again but this time for another 50 years. A pivotal moment occurs during a 1969 outdoor festival where many in the crowd break the law by singing a banned patriotic song, and thus the title.
Over the next two-plus decades the Estonia political machine moved against their Soviet counterpart like pieces in a chess game until they were at the point of declaring independence. By this time there's a sizable amount of Russians who've been embedded into Estonia's population and are themselves an active political force, only against the grain of Estonia. Near the end the story centers on two individuals who held off troops from the Russian army bent on blowing up the only Estonian television tower broadcasting their message of freedom. Russia at that moment was in the midst of a coup and the TV tower incident marked the true beginning of the new Estonia.
The Singing Revolution, playing exclusively at the Angelika, transports you into an Eastern European mindset. There's a lot to relate to, everything from traditional costumes to their style of communal singing. The scene's not unlike a domestic outdoor folk concert where everyone does their own thing. The director will be in attendance at the Friday June 13 evening screenings.