Estonian Filmmaker Presents Documentary at SU

SALISBURY, MD---Telling the story of the internment of her mother and her aunt in Soviet labor campus, Estonian filmmaker Imbi Paju presents her award-winning documentary Memories Denied at Salisbury University. She introduces and discusses the 60-minute film 7 p.m. Wednesday, February 14, in the Great Hall of Holloway Hall.

For many years, the terrifying experience of Estonians in Stalin’s camps was a taboo subject. It was not until Estonia gained independence in 1991 that this dark chapter of the country’s history began to emerge. In the 2005 film Memories Denied, Paju, the writer and director, examines the personal experiences of her family, arrested in 1948 and interned until 1954.

“Salisbury's close relationship with Estonia began in 1999 when Mayor (Barrie) Tilghman received the keys to our sister city of Tartu, Estonia, and we have hosted several visits from Estonian officials and educators since,” said Dr. Ellen Zinner, assistant to the President at SU. “Appreciating the recent occupation of Estonia and its pride in its independence will draw our two cities closer.  This film gives us a glimpse of that past.”

The documentary recalls the many forms of oppression Estonians faced from both the Russians and the Germans. It also reveals that it is still difficult to speak about the unresolved past, but it is a necessary journey for the women and their nation to heal from the wounds of history.

Sponsored by Salisbury University, the Salisbury Film Society, the Salisbury Wicomico Arts Council and the Sister Cities Association of Salisbury/Wicomico County, this event is free and the public is invited.  Light refreshments are served.  For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.