Roma, Gypsies, Manouches, Bohemians, Romanichels, Sinti, Gypsies… the names vary depending on the place and the era, referring to a people present in Europe since the 15th century. Far from being marginal, over the centuries they have forged deep ties with European cultures, languages, and societies, of which this nation is an integral part.
From June 2 to 5, 2025, the French Institute in Bulgaria is opening its doors to Roma cultures. Through screenings and evenings of discussions, this series will highlight their history, their creativity, and the diversity of their artistic expressions on a European scale.
These events are organized in partnership with the MUCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations in Marseille) and the AMALIPE association.
This series aims to contribute to greater recognition of the place of Roma in our societies by promoting their role as cultural and artistic actors and citizens of Europe.
Wednesday, June 4, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Roma Cultural Creativity
This evening will be dedicated to the cultural and artistic creativity of Roma people. In the first part, our speakers will discuss different forms of artistic expression: poetry, painting, music, theater, cinema, and exhibitions. In the second part, we will enjoy a concert by the Karandila brass band from Sliven.
Roundtable:
Françoise Dallemagne, curator at the MUCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations in Marseille), shares her experience organizing the Barvalo exhibition ("Barvalo: Roma, Sinti, Manouches, Gitanos, Travelers...", 2023)
Elora Weill-Engerer, doctoral student at the National Institute of Art History (INHA), presents the Austrian Roma writer and painter Ceija Stojka (1933-2013)
Natalia Tsekova, theater actress in Bulgaria: testimonial on the lack of positive representations of Roma in the artistic field
Eric Cron, director, shares her insights into the creation of the documentary Chakaraka
Moderator: Arnaud Baubérot, Academic and Scientific Cooperation Attaché, Embassy and French Institute
