AKE DIKHEA Special Programme | The Close | Wesley Schwimmt

The Close
Dan Haworth-Salter, John Henry Phillips
UK ● 2025 ● 32’
English

The Close tells the story of the first archaeological excavation of a historic Romany site to take place in Britain. The film follows archaeologist John-Henry Phillips, himself Romany and co-founder of Romani Community Archaeology, as he works alongside descendants of those once confined there to uncover the remains of long-forgotten government-run “Gypsy Compounds” and a “Gypsy Rehabilitation Centre” hidden in the New Forest. Operating from 1926 until 1979, these institutions were designed to enforce assimilation and cultural genocide. Set against a backdrop of five centuries of anti-Romany legislation, the excavation becomes more than a search for traces in the soil – it is an act of remembrance and resistance, empowering Romany communities to reclaim their history, confront legacies of persecution that endure today, and challenge systemic narratives for a better future.

Presented by John-Henry Phillips; Executive Producer Grant Black; Director Dan Haworth-Salter; Producers Dan Haworth-Salter / John-Henry Phillips / Dr Stuart Eve; Director of Photography Luke Collins.

Wesley Swims
Adrian Oeser
Germany ● 2024 ● 30
German + EN subs 

Wesley Höllenreiner is 14 years old. And he is Sinto. In the summer of 2024, he will travel to the Auschwitz Memorial. 80 years ago, Wesley’s great-grandfather Hugo Höllenreiner was interned in Auschwitz as a child. Wesley wants to know what his great-grandfather had to experience in Auschwitz and how he can continue his mission.

Director: Adrian Oeser; Cinematography: Toni Müller, Adrian Oeser; Editing: Adrian Oeser; Grading: Stephan Wagner; Music: Max Clouth; Sound Desig:n Jonny; Graphics: Simon Walter; Speaker: Gergana Muskalla; Protagonists: Wesley Höllenreiner, Laura Höllenreiner, Giuliano Höllenreiner, Sheela Josef, Romani Rose