RomaTrial: Advocating for Roma Rights with Art And Activism

The Political Context of Roma Rights in Europe

The Roma community, Europe’s largest ethnic minority, continues to face systemic discrimination, social exclusion, and economic marginalization. Despite EU policies aimed at fostering inclusion, anti-Roma sentiments persist across many European nations. This sentiments are manifesting in police violence, housing segregation, and limited access to education and employment.¹

In recent years, the rise of right-wing populism has exacerbated antigypsyism, with political leaders scapegoating Roma communities for social and economic issues.² Hate crimes, forced evictions, and discriminatory policies remain pressing concerns, highlighting the urgent need for advocacy and activism.³

The European Commission’s EU Roma Strategic Framework for Equality, Inclusion, and Participation (2020–2030) aims to address these challenges by improving Roma access to education, employment, healthcare, and housing.⁴ However, the effectiveness of these policies heavily depends on grassroots movements. Cultural initiatives also play a crucial role. The movement helps challenging stereotypes and empowering Roma voices.

Against this backdrop, RomaTrial emerges as a crucial force in the fight for Roma rights, using art, film, and political education to reshape narratives, promote social justice, and combat discrimination. Through its initiatives, RomaTrial not only highlights the struggles faced by Roma communities but also celebrates their rich cultural heritage, fostering dialogue and solidarity in an increasingly polarized society.

Challenging Stereotypes Through Art

One of RomaTrial’s flagship projects is the AKE DIKHEA? Festival of Romani Film, which translates to “Do you see?” in Romani.⁵ This self-organized international festival showcases films that critically reflect on the realities of Roma people, aiming to deconstruct anti-Romani clichés and present authentic narratives. Since its inception, the festival has featured a diverse range of films, providing a space for Roma filmmakers and stories to gain visibility.⁶

Educational Initiatives and Political Engagement

Beyond the arts, RomaTrial is committed to cultural and political education. The organization conducts seminars, summer schools, and workshops aimed at educating both Roma and non-Roma individuals about the impacts of antigypsyism.⁷ These programs foster dialogue, enhance mutual understanding, and equip participants with the knowledge to combat discrimination in their communities.

Advocacy and Social Justice

RomaTrial actively engages in advocacy to address injustices faced by Roma communities. Following the death of Stanislav Tomáš in 2021—an incident widely compared to George Floyd’s case—RomaTrial organized commemorations in Berlin to raise awareness about police brutality against Roma individuals.⁸ Such actions demonstrate the organization’s commitment to social justice and its role in mobilizing support for Roma rights across Europe.

Collaborations and Community Building

Collaboration is central to RomaTrial’s approach. The organization partners with various cultural institutions, educational bodies, and activist groups to broaden its impact. By working together with cinemas like Moviemento and clubs like SO36, RomaTrial bridges communities and fosters a transcultural dialogue that enriches the social fabric of Berlin and beyond.⁹

Get Involved!

Supporting RomaTrial can take many forms: attending their events, participating in educational programs, or contributing to their initiatives. By engaging with RomaTrial’s work, individuals can play a part in challenging discrimination and promoting a more inclusive society.

Footnotes:

1. European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), “Second European Union Minorities and Discrimination Survey” (EU-MIDIS II), 2017. https://fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2017/eumidis-ii-roma-selected-findings ↩︎
2. Council of Europe, “Annual Report on Human Rights Violations Against Roma Communities,” 2021. https://rm.coe.int ↩︎
3. Amnesty International, “Pushed to the Margins: Roma Rights Violations in Europe,” 2022. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/research/ ↩︎
4. European Commission, “EU Roma Strategic Framework for Equality, Inclusion, and Participation (2020–2030),” 2020. https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=1484 ↩︎
5. RomaTrial – AKE DIKHEA? Festival of Romani Film. https://romatrial.org
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6. AKE DIKHEA? Archive (2020). https://romatrial.org/AKE-DIKHEA-ARCHIVE/2020_Ake-Dikhea_ARCHIVE_web.pdf
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7. RomaTrial Educational Programs. https://romatrial.org/home
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8. Death of Stanislav Tomáš – RomaTrial Advocacy. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Stanislav_Tom%C3%A1%C5%A1
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9. RomaTrial’s Community Collaborations. https://romatrial.org/AKE-DIKHEA-ARCHIVE/2017_Ake-Dikhea_ARCHIVE_web.pdf ↩︎

Find out more about the project on the Website of RomaTrial