8 mm ELU

Dear Estonian abroad,

We invite you to take part in the joint collection initiative of the Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom and ETV2 for films recording the lives of Estonian communities abroad. The initiative is set to last until 31 December 2020.

The Vabamu’s executive director Keiu Telve said, “The goal of the initiative that started on 1 November is to invite Estonian communities abroad to send us their old films recording any meetings, birthdays, weddings or other important events in their communities that show how they maintained Estonian traditions and culture abroad during the occupation. Even if you feel the film only shows the simple day-to-day lives, such films may prove to be one of a kind in the context of recording history and telling the story of how our country regained its independence. Therefore, we encourage all Estonians to go through their film archives and take part in the initiative.”

Keiu Telve added, “This is not the first time the Vabamu has received films from Estonian communities abroad. For example, we have unique images on 8 mm film of the concert-demonstration that took place during the Estonian meetup day in Montreal during the international exposition Expo 67. This film was taken by Estonian Lemmik-Jaak Sirk, who worked in the Expo pavilion of the Soviet Union. This film is an excellent example of how they have always wanted and tried to stay in touch with their roots and culture.”

The collection initiative targets films recorded on 8 mm and Super8 film. A selection of the collected films will be shown on ETV2 in a series called 8 mm ELU (LIFE on 8 mm) and stored in the Vabamu’s collections.

Existing and newly acquired recordings can be seen during Foreign Estonians Day, celebrated at the Vabamu on 28 November at 18:00. The event will also be broadcast online. Details for the event will soon be available on the Vabamu’s website.

The series 8 mm ELU (LIFE on 8 mm) has successfully aired on Estonian Public Broadcasting channels and gained significant views. The first two seasons focussed on films recorded by local Estonians. Now, the show makers want viewers to see the stories of Estonian communities abroad.

The initiative targets both digital and analog film tapes. Visit Vabamu’s website at https://vabamu.ee/collections/ film-collecting-campaign-of-estonian-communities-abroad to read about conditions for film submission.

Lisainfo/ Further information:

Ingrid Piirsalu Marketing and Communication Manager

Phone: + 372 5646 4035

ingrid@vabamu.ee

Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom

Toompea 8, 10142 Tallinn

www.vabamu.ee