Estonian journalist screening movie

For the Cumberland Times-News

February 09, 2007 02:55 pm

— MCHENRY - On Feb. 16, Garrett Countians will have a unique opportunity to learn more about a part of the world that doesn't often enter into daily conversations, Estonia.
Journalist and documentary maker Imbi Paju will present her movie, "Memories Denied," at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium of Garrett College. There is no cost to see the film.
One of the Baltic countries, Estonia has a long history of occupation, including until 15 years ago, Soviet occupation. For many years, the terrifying experience of Estonians in Stalin's labor camps was a taboo subject. It was not until 1991, when Estonia gained its independence, that this dark chapter of the country's history began to emerge.
In "Memories Denied," Paju takes a personal approach in telling the story of how her own mother, born in 1930, was arrested together with her twin sister in 1948 and interned until 1954 in Soviet camps. The film also recalls the many forms of oppression meted out to Estonians from 1939 onwards, by both the Soviets and the Germans.
In the documentary, the director depicts her mother's past and, at the same time, that of all Estonia.
"It is still hard to talk about the unresolved past which crosses generation lines," said Paju. "But this journey must be completed in order for the community to heal from the wounds of history."
Paju's presentation is sponsored by Garrett College, the World View International Club of Garrett College, the Joint Baltic American National Committee (JBANC), and the Maryland/Estonia Exchange Council (MEEC).
The movie is in Estonian with English subtitles and has a running time of 60 minutes. Immediately after the movie, Paju will speak with audience members at a reception, during which light refreshments will be served.
Paju is a citizen of Estonia, currently residing in Helsinki, Finland. She has studied at the Estonian Humanitarian Institute, the Helsinki University, Department of Political Studies, and the Helsinki Theatre Academy and is involved in numerous media projects, including her roles as "Sõnumileht" correspondent in Helsinki, "Eesti Päevaleht" correspondent in Helsinki, Estonian Radio correspondent in Finland, and a daily columnist.
Her other documentary projects have included a documentary about a 13-year-old girl who was sexually abused by her stepfather ("ETV/ Facts from Real Life"); a semi-documentary titled "People of Raja Village" (about the Russian Old-Believers living by Lake Peipsi); and "Helsinki - European Capital of Culture." In 2006, she completed her book, titled "Memories Denied," based on her documentary film of the same name.
The college currently enjoys the presence of two students from Estonia: Krista Joosep, a liberal arts major who will graduate in May, and Maksim Pavlov, an adventure sports management who is in his first semester at the college.
For more information, contact Judy A. Carbone, the Garrett College coordinator of global education and adviser to the World View International Club, at (301) 387-3046 or jcarbone@garrettcollege.edu.

Photos

Imbi Paju