Songs I Kinda Know is a documentary project I've been working on since I became aware of the American-Lithuanian community in Southfield, MI. Their culture is rich, loving, and deep. Many of the families fled Lithuania during Soviet occupation and upon reaching the United States, chose to raise their children to speak Lithuanian, celebrate Lithuanian holy days, and participate in Lithuanian organizations with the hope to one day return to their homeland. Decades later their country is free, but the people have stayed. New generations of Lithuanians have been born who are just as passionately involved in the community, but have never seen their homeland. With the original motivation of returning to a free Lithuania lost, why have they continued to carry on age-old traditions? What does it mean to be an American Lithuanian and how has that definition changed over the years? This project is ongoing, and as I get to know the people who congregate at Divine Providence in Southfield, MI, I find that this work has become just as much of a personal documentary as it is a social documentary. My understanding of home, family, and community has grown and continues to change as I listen to these songs I kinda know.
