The documentary “Leaving to Remain” follows the lives of three young Czech-Slovak Roma – Petr, Denisa, and Ondrej – who are children of the first generation of immigrants to the UK in the 1990s due to racial and social discrimination.
The film, directed by Mira Erdevicki, also follows the three visiting their native countries with mixed emotions. Multi-layered and intimate, the documentary contains scenes shot by the protagonists on their mobile phones. It provides a closer look at Roma culture and society and an insight into their lives in the UK, Czech Republic, and Slovakia. It also presents the challenges the protagonists faced due to Brexit and COVID-19.
Introduction by Petra Gelbart, vice-chair of the Czechoslovak Romani Union.
Free and open to the public. Suggested donation $10. Seats are limited, on first-come first-served basis. RSVP online through Eventbrite.
About
MIRA ERDEVICKI is a Serbian documentary film director and writer who graduated from the School of Journalism in Belgrade and Prague's Film Academy (FAMU) in 1993. She directed several films with the Roma subject.
PETRA GELBART, PhD, MS, Czech-Romani, is an ethnomusicologist, musician, singer, music therapist and activist. She earned her Ph.D. in musicology/ethnomusicology at Harvard University and is the vice-chair of the Czechoslovak Romani Union. Petra uses her research and voice to educate about Romani culture and advocate for Romani rights. She has been working with children from Czech state care for part of each year since 2004.
This event is organized by the Czechoslovak Society of Arts and Sciences (SVU), New York Chapter, with support of BBLA.