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Description
The history of the Roma in Romania is marked by racial exclusion and discrimination. This situation is caused by the ignorance and lack of recognition of the history and culture of the Roma in society as a whole. The activities and actions of the ROMA’s STORIES project aim to provoke the prejudices and the lack of knowledge of the society regarding the Roma and their cultural heritage. Through the documentary films we aim to discover their heritage (architecture, objects, customs, practices, values, etc.), in order to better present and explain their identity and way of life. The actions developed will focus not only on material culture, but also on the identity and identity construction of Roma communities. We aim to tell the story of Roma culture in an attractive way for both young people and older people and to disseminate it with current technological means - the accessibility of artistic material both on the online platform and on other video streaming platforms. Promoting Roma culture beyond Romania - the Romanian-Icelandic co-production allows exploring a different perspective on the situation of the Roma community not only as a Roma minority, but as a European minority. Through the collaboration for content and through the photo / video exhibition, both partners will get in touch with the Icelandic and Romanian cultural scene, respectively, where they will interact with professionals in the field and will be able to link interesting collaborations in the future.
Summary of project results
The ROMA’S STORIES project sought to challenge societal prejudices and address the lack of awareness regarding the Roma community and their cultural heritage. By producing documentary films, the project aimed to explore and bring to light various aspects of Roma heritage, including architecture, objects, traditions, practices, and values. Through this approach, the project aimed to present and explain Roma identity and way of life more accurately, fostering greater understanding and appreciation within society.
The ROMA’S STORIES project focused on showcasing and promoting Roma culture through the production of five documentary films, a photo album, and a photography exhibition. These outputs aimed to highlight the richness of Roma heritage and provide an authentic representation of their life and traditions.
In addition to cultural promotion, the project also emphasized empowerment by involving 35 Roma participants in job-shadowing activities. Through their active participation in the creation of the five documentary films, as well as the photo album and exhibition, they gained valuable experience and skills, contributing to the storytelling process and ensuring that Roma voices were directly represented in the project’s outcomes.
The ROMA’S STORIES project enhanced understanding of Roma culture through research and mapping of the Roma community, the creation of a digital platform, and the production of five documentary films showcasing their heritage and way of life. It also promoted empowerment and skills development by engaging Roma participants in job-shadowing activities, including a study visit to Iceland, fostering professional growth and cross-cultural exchange.
Summary of bilateral results
The Icelandic partner played an active role in the project, contributing to the Romanian-Icelandic co-production through its assigned director and photographer. This collaboration provided a unique perspective on the Roma community, not only as a Roma minority but also as a European minority. The cooperation in content production facilitated an exchange of experiences and best practices between the two entities. Additionally, the partner provided Roma community representatives with the opportunity to engage in international cultural activities through the "4.1 Job Shadowing" initiative. By working together on content creation and the photo/video exhibition, both partners established valuable connections with the cultural scenes in Iceland and Romania, engaging with professionals in the field.