Freedom

Just when I thought it was one of those less-than-inspiring days, I woke up and found "Korkoro" was on its last hour on TV. The lack of documentation has led director Tony Gatlif to make this anecdote-inspired story into a well-paced movie about Romani Gypsies during the German-occupied France in World War II. Set in rural Vichy France, it highlighted the fate of these nomadic people, commonly viewed and treated as outcasts, were ultimately led to their Porajmos fate. Contrary to its unhappy ending, the movie was kept very light hearted and gay as it explored the Romani's struggles to co-exist with the 'civilised' society, which they depended for work. Stereotype asides, I find that their non-orthodox lifestyle pretty fascinating as well as their passion for music, folklore, communal spirit and colourful bohemian costumes

Nomadic Romani families travel together in caravan

Unkempt with mismatched outfits, most due to poverty

Music plays a central role in the Romani culture

The Romani has long been subjected to persecution

All images sourced from Google Images