The movie is not only beautifully shot, but is also a moving tribute to the Roma people, who have historically endured much hostility and persecution and continue to face discrimination.
Here is a synopsis of the movie:
Alin, Beni, and Dana, three Roma ("Gypsy") children from a small Transylvanian village, are among the first participants in an initiative to integrate the ethnically segregated Romanian schools. In 2006, they set out from their dead-end segregated school for the city, optimistic for education and new friendships with Romanians. Their hopes and innocent optimism quickly sour as they meet with low expectations and further isolation.
Shot over four years, this tender vérité story touches on issues ranging from institutionalized racism to public education and intractable poverty, culminating in an outrageous finale that cements the Roma children's struggle in the annals of egregious human rights violations.
Our School premiered in the US at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival, went on to over 60 festivals across the globe, enjoying long runs in Romania and Switzerland. It was awarded the Grand Jury Prize at SilverDocs 2011, Best International Feature at the 2012 Human Rights Arts and Film Festival in Australia, and the Grain de Cinéphage award at the 2012 Films de Femmes, and it was nominated for Best Eastern European Documentary at the 2011 Silver Eye Awards and Best Romanian Documentary at the 2012 Gopo Awards.To get more information on Our School and to get your tickets, click here.
There will be a Q&A with director Mona Nicoara after each 7:30pm and 12:30pm screening.
