[Klau, esam sarūpējuši projekta idejas aprakstu arī latviešu valodā]

“Singing Nation” is a documental story about one of the most amazing and mind-blowing events in the world - Latvian Song and Dance Festival (In latvian - Dziesmu un Deju svētki). It’s a story about latvians power to outlive even hardest times in their history. It’s a story about pure celebration of life and happiness in music, dance and being latvians.

There is always something that helps people to outlive hard times. For latvians it is a singing and dancing. The Latvian Song and Dance Festival has traditionally been a manifestation and celebration  of Latvian national culture and  identity. The Festival brings together about 40 000 people from more than 3000 choirs, dance, folk and music groups  to explore and present the richness and diversity of Latvian culture. If we look into history of Latvia, Song and Dance Festival was like a weapon for Latvians against efforts of enemies to run history of the country in a wrong way. Although Russians and Germans were continuously trying to annex Baltic countries, to eliminate Latvian language and to delete national feelings from people minds, finally, mass singing and national songs helped to unify three sister-countries Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia against occupation and to save their individuality and independence during ‘The Baltic Way’ in 1989. It’s a live, singing and celebrating monument for freedom and people power! Latvian Song and Dance festival is a proud owner of title "Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity", declared by UNESCO.

The last one 24th Nationwide Latvian Song and the 14th Dance Celebration were held in Riga in 2008 from July 5 to July 12. That year, there was registered a record number of participants – 38.601 who were performing in 39 different concerts. Singers, dancers, orchestras and bands were lifting up the atmosphere until a public euphoria, until the moment when all people were singing as one and all hands were waving harmoniously as a  deep blue Baltic sea.

We will take You to the unforgettable journey all the way through preparation, creation and ‘building’ this awesome event, Latvian Song and Dance Festival 2013. Our mission is to join more than hundred years of it’s history, modern technologies and show all the massive work invested to make it happen, to make it probably most awesome and powerful celebration of freedom and national traditions which You could experience in your life.

All what You see in closing concert, participants march and other Song and Dance festival events is months, even years of hard and enormously exhausting work left ‘behind the scenes’! We are going to tell this inspirational story by participant eyes, thoughts and spotlighting their long  way to one of the most awesome event in the world. We are making this movie as a ‘Thank You’ and dedication to all people who participates in the birth of this unforgettable miracle. We believe that “Singing Nation” could become our brick by brick, together built, digital monument for latvian culture.

Speaking about technical part of making “Singing Nation”. In fact, this is first time in history when all remarkable events and moments of Song and Dance festival will be captured in HD video and audio format. By supporting “Singing Nation” You support HD experience of this mind-blowing event delivered worldwide.

All the funds raised in this campaign will be used for the entire cost of production - from project to delivery finished film to viewers. Take a look at main expenses for production of “Singing Nation”:

- Equipment (Cameras/lights/sound + insurance fees)

- Transport expenses

- Location expenses

- Payment to the production crew

- Translation and subtitling to make “Singing Nation” available in English  / Latvian    

- Post-production work

- Marketing & promo materials

- Legal services/license fees

- DVD/Promotional Production

- Film Festival Fees

-Delivery of rewards to our awesome supporters (check them out at the right of this page)

Every contribution will be useful and you will get report on how it is spent (every dollar, every cent), even if the entire goal is not reached. With a help of proffessional accountants team we will make our production costs / budget spendings transparent as possible.

When will be the movie released?

Our goal is to release the movie in October, 2013. About a week after our exclusive LIVE web premiere of "Singing Nation" we will hold a 'red carpet' event in Riga and this will start a theatrical run of the movie.  All supporters above $20 will get their digital copies within a few days of the film’s theatrical release. 

How much money are you getting from other sources?

None. This documentary is being produced with the help of your donations to prevent outside influences. Sponsors, advertisers, and even politicians tend to have specific demands like including certain subjects, viewpoints and topics, and control over the final edit. We want to avoid anything that can affect the truth and freedom of this story!

What if you don’t reach the funding goal for "Singing Nation"?

It would be sad, but... There is a good news - We are making this movie no matter what, no matter how much money we raise. All money received from this campaign will go towards making this awesome story about Song and Dance festival, about people behind this mind-blowing celebration of song, dance and being latvians!

Want to help but can't contribute to "Singing Nation"?

Become an informative partner and friend. Spread the word about our movie in your community and receive a special Informative Partner credit on our website, later - in finished movie. Help get the word out about "Singing Nation" - Facebook it. Tweet it. Send it to your email contacts.

Who are making this movie?

"Singing Nation" will be directed by Kaspars Enins, 28 years old talanted audio-visual media artist with more than 10 years experience in this area. This is his second documentary project - first one, "The Movie Without a Home", is almost finished and will be released in early 2014. Janis Zipris, young and talanted latvian, has accepted Kaspars invitation to become a directors assistant. Raivis Cilipans is helping us out with building a social media presence for the movie. This is our 'starter' team - more people and professionals is about to join our project as soon as we start shooting "Singing Nation"! (We are ready to go as soon as we reach our goal for funding or at least half of it). Stay tuned about updates, will announce new team members it couple of weeks!

As independent filmmakers we work on very low budgets, which is an art in itself, and we've pretty much mastered it: in creating music videos, commercials, promos, and web content.

How can I contribute to "Singing Nation" at IndieGoGo?

To contribute to a "Singing Nation", look for the big Contribute Now button on the right or click directly on your desired reward. By doing this You will be taken Contribution Check Out page where You can choose contribution amount, fill out shipping adress and so on. You can contribute to "Singing Nation" using your PayPal or credit card - both are accepted and available as an contribution options. Don't hesitate, we don't have much time to make it happen!

Contribute whatever you can to Singing Nation and spread the word! Tell everyone you know, share our unique story using social media - Twitter, Facebook, your blog or consider sending out some personal e-mails to friends, family. It costs You nothing, but gives opportunity to be heard for this project. Use the IndieGoGo or other available share tools to encourage others to support this project! Of course, take a look at our Facebook page and don't forget to click 'Like' to recieve all latest updates about “Singing Nation” daily.

Let's take a look what our friends & supporters has to say about "Singing Nation".

Ivars Bezdechi: "Unfortunately, the Latvians were kind of thrown off the Baltic Bus by the producers of the otherwise great and groundbreaking documentary film "Singing Revolution" which chronicled the impact of the choral culture in Estonia. Now, a Latvian producer/director wants to produce a film entitled "Singing Nation" which chronicles the unique Latvian Song and Dance Festivals which occur every four years in Latvia. PLEASE SUPPORT THIS EFFORT to raise the funds to make this film a possibility to show the world our unique cultural heritage."

Rich Carraher: "The director/producer of this movie is Eva and my nephew Kaspars Enins. The Latvian Song & Dance Festival is an amazing thing to see (from what i hear and have watched on video). There are literally thousands gathered to sing! Kaspars, we are so proud of you and wish you the best of luck!"

Anita Licis Ribak: "About one 100 days left to this magnificent event. If you are in Europe this summer, consider getting tickets to one of the events at this Festival. You will never forget it!"

Riga City Deals and Travel Guide: "Take a part! Are you going to support this project? :) Come to Riga in the summer and feel our happiness at Latvian Sons and Dance Festival!"

Business University "Turība": "Support the "Singing Nation" project!"

Phyllis Marino: "Beautiful! I have a soft place in my heart for Latvia!"

Aelita Putnina Leto: "I am looking forward to the Sing Song Festival in Latvia this summer. Who ever has a chance to experience more than 13000 singers on the same stage singing one song. Last time 5 years ago my heart was crying from the happiness and deep connection to all the ancestral heritage we carry on in our hearts! No wonder why these small nations did survive the Post Soviet Union era and maintain the identity ! Through the LONG time traditions that are in our bloodstream ."

Anna Šteina: "Since Latvian Song and Dance Festival in the year 1990, I am just a part of singing&clapping audience. I envy a bit those on the stadium and stage, but I am happy that I can be a part (doesn't metter wich) of this festival."

Celso de la Molina: "The pearl of the Baltic always in my heart."

Let’s make this inspirational story about musical joy of nation and breathtaking celebration of freedom together! Join us today & be with us in Your hearts!