directed by Rozálie Kohoutová, documentary, 72 min, eng subtitles
written by Rozálie Kohoutová
The documentary film shows the life of two Roma teenage friends: Perla (15) who lives in Slovakia, and Jenica (18) who lives in Paris. They met thanks to the Kesaj Tchave music and dance group that brings together Roma children from Eastern Slovakia and children from Romanian Roma families from Paris.
Perla grew up in a Roma slum in Eastern Slovakia. She goes to a secondary school with separate classes only for Roma children. Her brother has recently moved to Paris, Perla dreams about moving there as well.
Jenica was born in Romania. Her parents took her to Paris when she was 7. They lived on the street during the first three years in Paris. She studies at a vocational training school and is training to become a carer for the elderly. She does not enjoy it but it’s the only education available to her. When her family lived rough on the street, Jenica didn’t go to school at all, and her knowledge of proper French and written language is insufficient.
The testimonies of the two girls about their lives and their dreams are precious sources of reflection about Roma people in Eastern and Western Europe, questioning clichés about the poorest European Union citizens.