*

Germany, 2022, 45 minutes

„Of course women can be gangsters too!“

In „Amaro Filmos“ (in Romanes „Our Film“) young Roma from Berlin give an insight into their lives and their world of thoughts. With humour and self-confidence, the protagonists answer the question: How do we see ourselves? How are we seen by others? And what moves us? The documentary film, which was developed in a participatory manner, not only illuminates the dreams, future aspirations and role models of a generation, but also burning social problems: racism, gentrification and the resulting geographical expulsion of an entire community.

For about ten years, many families from a Romanian Roma community lived in a block of flats in Berlin-Friedrichshain. The film protagonists experienced their house as a place of cohesion and first friendships, but also as a scene of discrimination and even life-threatening violence. From the beginning of 2022, many of the tenants faced the threat of homelessness due to real estate speculation. In November of that year, the last family moved out.

In „Amaro Filmos“, mainly young people between the ages of 14 and 23 show that they will not let themselves be defeated and loudly demand their place in society – according to the motto: „We are here! Through speeches at demonstrations, forum theatre, workshops against Antigypsyism and empowerment work, they make their voices heard and actively shape society.

The film celebrated its premiere on 20 January 2023 in the presence of the film team and the protagonists in the Grüner Salon of the Volksbühne am Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz in Berlin. Screenings in Brandenburg and Saxony will follow. As an accompanying programme, panel discussions and workshops against Antigypsyism will be offered.

The film was made in cooperation with the filmmaker, photographer and social worker Olad Aden, the Friedrichshain streetwork team of Gangway Straßensozialarbeit in Berlin e.V. and the Berlin Roma self-organisation RomaTrial e.V. It is part of the educational programme against Antigypsyism „WIR SIND HIER!“ and was funded by the federal programme „Demokratie leben!“ and the Berlin Participation and Integration Programme.

Director, Photographer, Editor:
Olad Aden

A coproduction by:
RomaTrial e.V. & Gangway Straßensozialarbeit in Berlin e.V.

By and with:
Elisejo
Elisei
Samson
Larissa
Marcel
Lulu
Neno
Milena
Estera Sara
David
Elisa
Daniel
Ali
und viele andere mehr

Mix & Master:
IT’SWHY

Music:
Salomon Ape
Boga
It’s Why
Gigo Flow und Pyranja
(„Mensch gleich Mensch“ GangwayBeatz vol. 2)