bfi programme

FILM SCREENING and DISCUSSION at the BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE, Sat 8th June 1-4.30pm

HOSTED BY PROF. THOMAS ACTON (O.B.E)

1.00pm Welcome

1.10pm 1st screening of films in NFT3

One Sun One Nation, 20 mins, 41 secs Jekh Kham Jekh Sel Director: Sami Mustafa | Producer: Sami Mustafa Genre: Documentary | Produced In: 2007 | Synopsis: "Plemetina is close to you. It is charming. It is real. This village hosts the survivors from one of the most adventurous journeys in history. The Roma population began its worldwide expedition in the tenth century from India, and arrived in Southeastern Europe three hundred years later. Since then, they have kept their traditions with supreme loyalty, while adapting to places and times with admirable flexibility and respect. Now, the Roma are one of the minorities in Kosovo, and probably one of the most harmed ones. At this moment, Roma youth in Plemetina raise their voice in the name of their brave ancestors. They left their footprint under only one sun, one nation. Jekh Kham, Jekh Sel."

Lords of the Plain, 15 mins Director: Gypsy Council | Producer: Chris Szendro Genre: Documentary | Produced In: 1973 Synopsis: Set at a very specific moment in time, as the 1968 Caravan and Sites Act became law Councils had a duty to provide local authority sites for Gypsies and Travellers. This film follows a number of sites in London as Councils start to meet this duty.

Andrew’s Story 4 mins

Director: Andrew O’Donnell | Producer: Eel Productions

Genre: Documentary | Produced In: 2013

Synopsis: Co-filmed and edited by Andrew O’Donnell, this film takes us through his journey and involvement in

preparing for Gypsy Roma and Traveller History Month, 2013.

Not Just Another Statistic, 3 mins

Director and Producer: The Romani Cultural and Arts Company


Synopsis: In this short film Isaac Blake describes what life was like growing up as a Gypsy Traveller in Wales. He talks

about the importance of community and of other attitudes towards that community.

14.05 Discussion and networking. Light Refreshments will be provided.

14.30 2nd screening in NFT3

Born on the Straw – Episode 1 48 mins

Director and Producer: Mike Barrett

Genre: Documentary | Produced In: 2012 - Part of the Community Channel's Gypsy Roma Traveller month series

Synopsis: Ryalla was born on the straw, in accordance with a Gypsy custom. Ainlee and her family show us how they

are still living the life of a Gypsy - in harmony with mother nature.

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FILM SCREENING and DISCUSSION at the BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE, Sat 8th June 1-4.30pm

15.20 Refreshments

15.30 3rd screening and discussion in Blue Room

Behind God’s Back? 13 mins

Director: Ioana Constantinescu | Producer: Eel Productions


Synopsis: In the grim suburbs of Kosovo's capital, we witness the precarious existence that three Gypsy families

have been forced into as a result of a brutal EU decision. Member states are deporting tens of thousands of Roma,

Ashkali and Egyptian Gypsies back to Kosovo, a place from which they fled violent ethnic cleansing in 1999. A blend

of unique archive and personal stories delivers a devastating insight into the effects of displacement and the

poverty and intimidation Gypsy returnees face in a country that clearly does not want them.

Gypsy Ways, 4 mins

Director and Producer: The Romani Cultural and Arts Company


Synopsis: Gypsy Ways is a film made with young people from the Shirenewton Gypsy and Traveller site in Cardiff. It

uses a combination of animation and live-action to follow the reminiscences of Laurel Price as she recalls growing

up in a traditional Vardo and her life on Leckwith Common in Cardiff in the 1970′s before setting on the permanent

site of Rover Way in the docklands of Cardiff.

Josie’s Story, 7 mins

Director: Josie O’Driscoll | Producer: Eel Productions and NIACE Genre: Documentary | Produced In: 2013 Synopsis: This short film captures Josie’s experience and memories of living under the Westway on Stable Way, a Traveller site in Kensington and Chelsea. It follows her as she returns back to the site more than 20 years later.

Bridy’s Piece, 11 mins Director: Bridy Purcell | Producer: BFI and NIACE Genre: Documentary | Produced In: 2013 Synopsis: Directed and co-filmed by Bridy Purcell this film provides a glimpse into her everyday life. The film documents her experience, her joys and challenges, and explores how a young Traveller woman balances the demands of the modern world with Irish Traveller tradition.

17.00 Programme Ends

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