Photo Exhibition “Mu isamaa” Introduces French Audiences to the Power and Quiet Sense of Togetherness of Estonia’s Song Festival
The atmosphere of the 2025 Song Festival at the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds is making its way to southern France. Photographer Lucie Berquiere, who captured a large number of images at the event, will present them in an exhibition at the photography festival “Les Boutographies” in Montpellier, taking place from 9 to 19 June. The exhibition itself bears the Estonian title “Mu isamaa” (“My Fatherland”).
With the permission of the editorial staff of Postimees, we are publishing an article originally featured in Postimees about photographer Lucie Berquiere’s exhibition of photographs from the Song and Dance Festival.
What inspired you to create a photography exhibition dedicated specifically to the Song Festival?
For some time, I have been interested in traditions and cultural heritage – more specifically, in how they help bring society together. Although I had heard about the Song Festival before, my first opportunity to experience it came only in 2025, when I received press accreditation to cover the event.
The sheer scale and power of the event inspired me to create the exhibition. As a French person, I found it fascinating that an event centred on choral singing and folk dancing could be so large, vibrant and deeply rooted in society. I was also interested in the festival’s historical background and in understanding why it holds such significance for Estonians.
This exhibition gives me an opportunity to explore Estonian culture, history and language. I also simply wanted to capture the event because, in its essence, the Song Festival is something wonderfully summery, unique and beautiful.
Is the exhibition intended primarily for Estonians living in France, or rather for the local French audience?
The exhibition is aimed primarily at a French audience. Unfortunately, relatively little is still known about Estonia in France.
Based on the feedback I have received so far, local visitors have been amazed by the scale of the festival and deeply moved by the emotions conveyed in the photographs. People have been genuinely delighted to learn more about Estonia. They also often mention the remarkable sense of emotion and tranquillity that comes through in the images.
What emotions did the 2025 Song Festival evoke in you, and how are they reflected in the exhibition?
It was an extraordinary cascade of emotions. When thousands of voices merge into one, there is a simultaneous sense of tenderness and fragility, but also an exceptional feeling of togetherness. These are precisely the emotions I have tried to convey to visitors through the exhibition.
The photographs reflect the enthusiasm and pure joy visible on people’s faces. Since music is at the heart of the event, the exhibition itself is also immersive: while viewing the photographs, visitors can listen through headphones to the song “Mu isamaa on minu arm” (“My Fatherland Is My Love”).
Are there similar events in France? If not, what could an event like this bring to France?
No, there is nothing quite like it in France – at least not on this scale. I believe France could benefit from an event of this kind. It could strengthen the sense of togetherness, remind people of its importance, and bring the genuine joy that comes from celebrating one’s culture and heritage together.
Which moments from the Song Festival stayed with you most vividly? Was there a particular piece that moved you especially deeply?
The moment that touched me most was the final song, “Mu isamaa on minu arm”, when the entire Song Festival Grounds joined in singing. I was on stage at the time and was deeply moved and captivated by what was happening. I even stopped taking photographs for a moment simply to experience and enjoy it.
That is why I chose “Mu isamaa” as the title of my exhibition.
I was also very impressed by the tradition of presenting conductors with oak wreaths and flowers. It was extremely beautiful to see Neeme Järvi on stage with a wreath around his neck and an armful of flowers. In France, people give each other flowers far less often than in Estonia.
Would you like to attend the Estonian Song Festival again in the future, even if it were not connected to your work?
Absolutely. The experience of thousands of voices singing together in the same rhythm creates an irreplaceable feeling – it is incredibly beautiful and feels almost timeless.
The Dance Festival was also a tremendous experience for me and an extraordinarily powerful spectacle.
Lucie Berquiere’s work has been exhibited both in France and widely abroad, including at the European Parliament, the Opéra-Comique in Paris and at various photography festivals. Her work has also received several awards.
Before dedicating herself to photography, she worked as an actress, appearing in theatre productions and television series. She first came to Estonia in 2017 as a volunteer at a circus school. Since then, she has returned to Estonia time and again to work on new projects. She currently has several exciting projects underway in Estonia as well.
The article was published in the newspaper Postimees on 8 June 2026.
Author: Riho Uibo
Published with the permission of the editorial staff of Postimees.
Photos: Lucie Berquiere
