Click on the arrows to go through launch images by Joe Boland (North West Newspix) A short film highlighting the diverse culture, challenges and resilience of the Roma community in Ireland was launched by the Donegal Travellers Project in Donegal on Thursday afternoon. ‘Sam Rom’ meaning We Are Roma, shines a unique and intimate spotlight on Roma people from different countries who are making new lives on Arranmore Island, the east Donegal village of Convoy and in Letterkenny. “Too often Roma are marginalised and seen through a narrow and judgemental lens. I hope this film can challenge perceptions and shine a light on some of the stark realities of their lives but also celebrate the vibrancy and depth of Roma culture,” explained director, Katie Ruby McLaughlin Robinson. Believed to be one of the first films of its kind to be made in Ireland, Sam Rom and the corresponding photographic exhibition is a collaboration between the Arts Service of Donegal County Council and the Donegal Travellers Project as part of the Earagail Arts Festival. The documentary emphasises the strength and resilience of the Roma people aiming to foster understanding, empathy and a more inclusive society in Donegal and across Ireland. Roma is an umbrella term used in Europe for groups including Roma, Sinti and Kale living across many different countries. “The Roma community in Donegal comes from different countries and traditions like Romanian, Polish, Ukrainian and Czech but we are all Roma. This film is very important because it gives our community the opportunity to talk about the challenges and discrimination faced day by day and to show a little bit of our culture,” said David Carpaci, Roma Health Community Worker, with DTP. Rudolf Simonic, Community Development worker for Roma with Pavee Point, said he looked forward to the film being shown in schools and reaching a wider audience. “It is very important to document our journey, especially in Ireland so that we can look back and see how Roma from different
In pictures: Launch of documentary depicting Roma life in Donegal
‘Sam Rom’ meaning We Are Roma, shines a unique and intimate spotlight on Roma people from different countries who are making new lives on Arranmore Island, the east Donegal village of Convoy and in Letterkenny
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Click on the arrows to go through launch images by Joe Boland (North West Newspix)
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Click on the arrows to go through launch images by Joe Boland (North West Newspix)
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Click on the arrows to go through launch images by Joe Boland (North West Newspix)
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Click on the arrows to go through launch images by Joe Boland (North West Newspix)
