Mainstream cinema often portrays Traveller and Roma communities through narrow stereotypes of violence, criminality or mysticism, while less widely seen cultural cinema has forged a small but significant tradition of more authentic and celebratory representations.
The four-day curated festival of critically acclaimed film highlights this tradition and brings members of the Traveller and Roma communities from inside and beyond the University together with the wider community and the general public in discussion of how diverse ethnicities can be celebrated, in and through media. ‘Whist A Thary’ is a phrase from the Irish Cant language which translates as ‘Stop your talking and look’!
The Whist A Thary Traveller and Roma Film Festival ends tomorrow Friday March 24, with Gagarine (2020 ), showing at 12pm, which tells the story of a young second generation immigrant and his Traveller girlfriend who use their imaginations to resist the demolition of their Paris neighbourhood.
This is followed at 3pm by Latcho Drom, the ground-breaking film by Romani filmmaker Tony Gatlif, which traces the evolution of flamenco from its origins in India through Egypt, eastern Europe, and the west. A wonderful end to this unique film festival, it was recently chosen as one of the 30 best films about music.
This film festival was organised as part of Nelson Mandela Anti-Racism Week at the University of Galway with the support of Club Scannán Sailearna. All screenings are taking place in the Bank of Ireland Theatre on the University campus.
There is no charge for entry to the films, but seats must be pre-booked here: www.clubscannan.ie
