July 8th-15th 2008
Mehanata Bulgarian Bar

113 Ludlow St. NY




press contact:

NYGYPSYFILMFESTIVAL@...

http://www.nygypsyfilm.com/



You're invited to the Second Annual New York Roma / Gypsy Human
Rights Film Festival!







The New York  Roma / Gypsy  Human Rights  Film Festival returns this
summer to bring together highly spirited filmmakers, lively musicians
and a diverse public who believe in the respectful representation each
individual is entitled to. Join the Festival in its continuous pursuit
of a vibrant and dignified portrayal of the global Roma and Sinti
population.


The festival will screen over 25 films from all over the world: Chile, Czech
Republic, Germany, Bulgaria, England, Serbia, Hungary, Netherlands,
Romania, Canada and Turkey, including many American debuts. Q&A's and
panel discussions featuring the filmmakers and invited artists and
musicians will follow many screenings.




The Festival's two nights of special programs are dedicated to the
Gypsy Holocaust, breaking the silence of a decades' long taboo. For
years the Gypsy Holocaust experience has been minimized, ignored, and
denied. Keeping quiet in society's margins while culture, heritage and
spirit are stolen is not an option. To be heard, to be seen: you need
a face, a voice.  And an audience!




A conversation with The Honorable Ian F. Hancock Roma representative
to the UN Economic and Social Council and Member of the International
Romani Parliament and a professor of English, linguistics and Asian
studies at The University of Texas at Austin




Film makers : Alexandra Isles, Jehan S. Harney, Guy-Laurent
Winterstein and George Eli, sons Alex, Christopher Eli and Nikhil
Melnechuk will be present.




So, join us for a closer look at the undeniable beauty of the Gypsy
people; to not look the other way when it comes to the adversity they
have been and are still forced to face. After centuries of slavery,
genocide, massacres and relentless ostracizing the Roma, presently
numbering around 15 million people worldwide, continue to suffer
unprecedented levels of violence in today's world.

Civilian attacks, fervent segregation, police brutality and an
appalling lack of legitimate representation in art and media all
conspire to marginalize the Roma. We at the New York Gypsy Film
Festival hope to counteract these forces by exposing the public to the
art, music, history, culture and above all humanity of the beautiful
Roma people.


For full Festival details please view

http://www.nygypsyfilm.com/