Kicks Off Tomorrow with U.S. Premieres, Oscar Contenders & Baltic Filmmakers

Estonia is celebrating a historic achievement in the Eurovision world: Gert Kark, a veteran television producer from Tallinn, has been appointed as the Executive Producer of the Eurovision Song Contest – one of the highest roles in contest organization. This marks the first time an Estonian (and indeed, a Baltic native) will help lead the production of Europe’s biggest music event at the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) level.

Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium resounded with a proud moment in Estonian music history on October 23, 2025. In a sold-out concert that marked the Estonian Festival Orchestra’s North American debut, conductor Paavo Järvi led his ensemble in an all–Arvo Pärt program – a high-profile tribute to the beloved Estonian composer’s 90th birthday. Learn more about the composer, listen to the live recording and get first impressions below.

In a world filled with tanks and troops, Iceland stands out for its complete lack of a standing military. This North Atlantic nation – a founding member of NATO – has no army, navy, or air force of its own. How does a country thrive without soldiers? The answer lies in Iceland’s unique history, strategic decisions, and a culture that prizes peace. From its early independence choices to modern-day defense agreements, Iceland has charted a peaceful path that trades battalions for alliances and coast guards.

As Russia intensifies its hybrid pressure on Europe, Estonia and Latvia—two of NATO’s smallest members—find themselves once again on the front line of history. Decades after regaining independence from Soviet rule, both nations are confronting a new wave of influence from Moscow, targeting their sizable Russian-speaking populations through propaganda, cyberattacks, and political manipulation. In response, Tallinn and Riga are tightening language laws, curbing Kremlin-linked organizations, and reinforcing social unity as a matter of national survival. For Estonians and Latvians abroad, especially in North America, these developments are more than headlines—they’re reminders of why their parents fled, and why safeguarding their homelands remains a shared mission across oceans.