# Leslie Mandoki freedom-themed multimedia project

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/leslie-mandoki-freedom-themed-multimedia-project
> Updated: 2026-10-19T15:12:20.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Musician and producer Leslie Mandoki has launched a multi-media project titled ‘Sehnsucht nach Freiheit’ (Longing for Freedom) to explore the legacy of the 1956 Hungarian Uprising and the importance of liberty. Having fled communist Hungary for West Germany in 1975, Mandoki uses the project to reflect on the connection between the 1956 uprising and the opening of borders in 1989.

The project consists of a book published by Herder Verlag, which includes contributions from various political figures, historians, and artists, and a documentary film scheduled to premiere on Welt TV. Additionally, Mandoki plans an acoustic concert tour, the ‘Sehnsucht nach Freiheit – Club Sessions’, across Germany and Austria starting in the spring of 2027.

In October 2026, details emerged regarding the project’s scope and contributors. The book features contributions from figures such as Mikhail Gorbachev, Peter Maffay, and Christian Wulff. Mandoki utilizes his personal history, including his father’s involvement in the 1956 uprising, to draw parallels between historical Soviet oppression and contemporary societal divisions and conflicts in Europe. The goal is to encourage dialogue between generations, with the upcoming concert tour focusing on intimate club settings in Germany and Austria to foster closer connections with the audience.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-19: Leslie Mandoki launches freedom-themed project

Musician Leslie Mandoki has released ‘Sehnsucht nach Freiheit,’ a multi-media project exploring the value of freedom through his personal history of fleeing communist Hungary.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/leslie-mandoki-launches-freedom-themed-book-and-concert-series

### 2026-10-17: Leslie Mandoki releases book and film on Hungarian freedom

Musician Leslie Mandoki releases a book and documentary, ‘Sehnsucht nach Freiheit’, exploring the impact of the 1956 Hungarian Uprising and the meaning of freedom through interviews with global figures.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/leslie-mandoki-releases-book-and-film-on-hungarian-freedom

---
Cite as: Leslie Mandoki freedom-themed multimedia project. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/leslie-mandoki-freedom-themed-multimedia-project