Looking For My Gypsy Roots 2008
Distributed by Bullfrog Films, PO Box 149, Oley, PA 19547; 800-543-FROG (3764)
Produced by TVE International
Directed by Arpád Bogdán
DVD, color, 27 min.
Jr. High - Adult
European Studies, Human Rights, Sociology, Anthropology
Date Entered: 03/19/2009
Reviewed by Justin Cronise, University at Buffalo, State University of New YorkPart of the Life Series 6 made for BBC, this short film provides a glimpse into the life and cultural struggle of Roma, or “gypsies,” as ethnic minorities in Hungary. The film focuses on the young Roma director, Arpád Bogdán, who faces a personal struggle to connect with his own heritage that is complicated by the fact that he was taken from his family at a very young age and raised in an orphanage in a society that repressed the Roma culture. The bulk of the film documents Arpád’s search for his gypsy family, with some bumps and twists in the road before finally reuniting with his brother and father.
Even though the film is about Roma culture, there is relatively little exposure to what it means to be Roma, or footage of gypsy life. Mostly, one sees modern Hungary and artistic imagery of the director, which does not detract from the quality of the film, but might be disappointing from an educational standpoint. Looking for my Gypsy Roots may not delve too deeply into Roma history or culture, but it is a well-crafted and heartwarming film and is certainly recommended especially for school and public libraries.