Leaving Tallinn. 1941

This documentary examines the chaotic evacuation of Tallinn in August 1941, a response to the advancing German forces. The film details how over 30,000 individuals, including Red Army personnel and civilians, were hurriedly placed on more than two hundred ships. Unfortunately, this evacuation turned disastrous as the fleet encountered a German and Finnish naval trap near the Juminda Peninsula.

The documentary reveals the harrowing realities of this event, where 60 ships were lost to mine explosions, torpedoes, and bombings, resulting in approximately 15,000 deaths, including many Estonians. It also critically analyzes how this tragedy has been portrayed in historical narratives, highlighting the efforts to either minimize or glorify the catastrophe in later accounts. Collectors interested in World War II history and documentary filmmaking may find this film particularly compelling due to its focus on a lesser-known but impactful event.