The Gypsies of Svinia

This is not just a “folkumentary”, but an invitation to reflect on the future of humanity on a planet where tradition and technology coexist, and where the unknown reminds us that there are still unanswered questions.

A documentary about the beauty of Slovak nature with world-renowned wildlife popularizer Nigel Marven... Nigel Marven is a British wildlife filmmaker, screenwriter, presenter and adventurer, known worldwide for his unique style, innovative programs and enthusiasm. He worked alongside Sir David Attenborough for 12 years. He has made more than 150 documentaries, visited all continents and conveyed the stories of amazing wild animals to viewers. This time he visited Slovakia to introduce the natural beauty of Slovakia to the whole world in cooperation with our nature filmmakers.

Moving away from the conventions of traditional documentary filmmaking, Gitani presents itself as a vibrant "emotional vision" of Romani life. Rather than a rigid factual account, the film immerses the audience in an atmosphere of pure euphoria and shared joy. Music serves as the essential thread that weaves the entire work together, while the visual narrative mirrors the fluidity of dance—constantly assembling and dissolving to the beat of the performers' movements. It is a rhythmic and sensory experience that prioritizes feeling and atmosphere, capturing the spirit of a culture through the harmony of sound and motion.

Miko is a truck driver, his father is Romani, and above all he is a man who wanted to help those in need. When the Czech government was looking for reasons not to take in a few dozen children from Greek refugee camps after the chemical attacks on Syrian civilians in 2018, Miko took justice into his own hands and, together with the Czechs Helping initiative, prepared facilities for child refugees. However, government officials gave priority to political interests. Will parliamentary elections and a change of ministries save the situation? An unflattering but accurately portrayal of the Czech Republic as a country that will only offer a helping hand when it is worthwhile.

With the UK’s hardening immigration policy in the background, director Mira Erdevički follows the lives of three Roma: Petr Torák, Denisa Gannon and Ondrej Oláh. Settled in the UK over 20 years ago, the trio still feel attached to their native Slovakia and the Czech Republic. As the country goes into lockdown, they film their lives throughout the Covid pandemic and the aftermath of Brexit.

A Roma beggar on his knees raises many extreme emotions: guilt, rage, sympathy and frustration. Most people just walk on by, but there is always someone willing to help. In this film, the director follows the confrontations between the Roma beggars from Romania and Finnish people, and is forced to question, over and over again, her own ideas about helping.

The sequel to the hugely successful documentary about the beauty of Slovak nature, featuring Nigel Marven, British wildlife filmmaker, screenwriter, presenter, and adventurer, known worldwide for his distinctive style, innovative programs, and enthusiasm. The sequel to the documentary Wild Nature of Slovakia with Nigel Marven 2 will show Slovak and international viewers that Slovakia is a "hidden gem of Europe" whose biodiversity rivals that of exotic countries around the world, with populations of bears, wolves, lynxes, and many species of birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

Welcome to the picturesque world of the Kaldarash Roma – a closed community of no more than 1 million people all over the world. 'Concrete Pharaohs' take us on a journey into the lifestyle and traditions of the most hidden and intriguing Roma communities. A charismatic Gypsy baron will walk us through his stories and his new house. We will learn the hot trends in Roma tombstone design. We will go down into the underground homes of African granite, furnished with beds, wardrobes, stereos and a charged cell phone – a direct line to the other world. A celebration of life and afterlife in all of their manifestations.

A troupe of gypsies takes a traveler along with them on their day trip.

In the wilderness of the Bucharest Delta, nine children and their parents lived in perfect harmony with nature for 20 years – until they are chased out and forced to adapt to life in the big city.

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Hockey is a nationwide phenomenon in Slovakia. It is more than just a sport. It has become synonymous with success, a unifying element of society. Recently, a generation of hockey players who achieved exceptional success during our independence has been ending their professional careers. They leave behind world championship titles, Stanley Cup victories, statistics, and news reports. A comprehensive view of their path to success has been lacking until now.

Prominent Ukrainian/Italian documentary film director Oleksandr Balahura (most known for link) visits Roma neighborhoods and social events in Zakarpattia (Western Ukraine) and re-visits his earlier work, "Widow-Street", shot on same locations in 1991. He also screens "Widow-Street" to its characters, whom he meets again in 2013.

A documentary about a young Finnish Romany Carmen, 11, who lives with her grandmother and aunt in the suburb of a small town in Northern Finland.

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An intimate look at Gypsy refugees in a Belgrade suburb who make a living by transforming Citroen´s classic 2cv and Dyana cars into Mad Max-like recycling vehicles, which they use to collect card-board, bottles and scrap metal. These modern horses are much more efficent than the cart-pushing competition, but even more important, they also mean freedom, hope and style for their crafty owners. Even the car batteries are used as power generators in order to get some light, watch TV and recharge mobiles ! Almost an alchemist´s dream come true ! But police doesn´t always find these strange vehicles funny... Pretty Dyana is a very funny documentary, but sad in a way... " If Mitic had focused only on the terrible misery these people live in, the film would have been unbearable. Instead, you never know whether you should cry after you laugh, or the other way around " Sara Hultmanm, Goteborg Film Festival

The concept for the film was developed based on sociological research conducted as part of the Youth Subcultures conference in collaboration with the Institute of Sociology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences. The film’s core value lies in its ability to provide an inside look at selected subcultures, achieving an exceptional level of engagement with their members. The filmmakers managed to break through the participants' initial reluctance to openly discuss their experiences. The documentary directly addresses key aspects of these subcultures, including drugs, faith, and personal beliefs. It focuses on six specific groups: the techno scene, graffiti artists, antifascists, religiously oriented youth, skinheads, and young people inspired by Eastern spirituality. The film includes footage from illegal rave parties, graffiti sessions, and other underground activities. Overall, the documentary serves as an insightful map of Bratislava’s contemporary alternative scene.

A team of Romany football players try to overcome prejudice in this Czech documentary.

Alberto Spadolini, filmmaker and choreographer, dances to traditional Andalusian music. He pays tribute to the gypsy culture.

A 2005 és 2011 között készült Ammen című dokumentumfilm egy kis szatmári falu cigány-sorának életébe nyújt betekintést. Az utca lakói egy ameriaki pásztor vezetésével hat évvel ezelőtt "bemerítkeztek" és felvették a baptista vallást. Hozott-e változást életükbe a hit? Segített-e a boldogulásban? Mennyire kitartó, mély az Istenhitük? Miért fontos a karizmatikusság? Lehet-e a vallás közösség-összetartó erő? A film - többek között - ezekre a kérdésekre keresi a választ.