Rolling Film Festival, Kosovo 2009

Balkan Sunflowers and Romawood Production are showcasing films made by and about Roma in Pristina, from 19 to 21 October 2009

One goal of the Decade of Roma Inclusion 2005-2015, Dosta! campaign and many important initiatives by the Council of Europe, the Soros foundations, and others is to counter one-dimensional stereotypes of “Gypsies” in the media, presenting a richer and more complete picture of the Roma, in their families, work, art, and the diverse countries where the rolling of their wheel has taken them. The Rolling Film Festival is a contribution to this goal.

In Kosovo, as in most of Europe and the rest of the world, Roma remain one of the most marginalized and vulnerable ethnic groups. Many Roma say that life in Kosovo was good in past decades, but the 1990s, the Kosovo conflict, and the following years changed that. The long history of discrimination and violent repression towards Roma is not just history; there is still much prejudice shown towards Roma in the world. Paradoxically, little is known about them aside from the well-known cliches.  

Rolling Film Festival will showcase twenty-five local and international films made by Roma as well as non-Roma. In seeing a variety of local and international films, audiences will be able to gain insight into the global situation of the Roma. The selected films provide an alternative to stereotyping and misrepresentation. Discussions between activists, artists, academics, filmmakers and audience will be an important part of the festival, and reaching a better understanding.

Partners and donors: The office of the prime minister, The ministry of culture, The Finnish Embassy, KFOS  (the local branch of the Soros foundation), Amnesty International, Danish Refugee Council, Council of Europe, DG III, Roma and Travellers Division.